Two Senior Advocates of Nigeria Femi Falana and Olisa Agbakoba have advised the Federal Government on the action to take to prevent the impending industrial action by the organised Labour.
The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress are preparing to embark on an indefinite strike on October 3, 2023 over the failure of the government to meet their demand following the removal of fuel subsidy.
Falana, who is also the counsel for the NLC and the TUC, wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and advised him to tell the Federal Government to resume negotiations with the labour unions in the interest of industrial harmony.
Falana’s letter dated September 29, 2023, was in response to a letter warning the NLC and TUC against embarking on the proposed nationwide strike or risk being in contempt of court.
He wrote, “Your letter dated 26th of September, 2023 in respect of the above subject matter refers. You will agree with us that since the ex parte order was procured by the Federal Government at the National Industrial Court on June 5, 2023, negotiations in respect of the subject matter of the proposed strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress ought to have been concluded.
“However, while we are not inclined to join issues with you over the alleged disobedience of the court order by Nigerian workers, we are compelled to advise the Federal Government to resume negotiations with the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress in the interest of industrial peace in the country.
“Please accept the assurances of our highest esteem and professional regards.”
Similarly, Agbakoba has also suggested that President Tinubu take into account meeting the demands of the labor unions in order to halt the upcoming strike.
Agbakoba recommended that the Federal Government take into account offering free tuition to students enrolled in primary through higher education.
He said, “What I think is the best way to go in order to avoid the strike from having great consequences on Nigerians is for the government to accommodate a number of concerns raised by labour.
“I suggest that from what was realised from the removal of subsidy, rather than give rice to people and keep coming back, the government could deal with the cost of living challenge by making school free from the primary school to tertiary level. It will give a big relief to all Nigerians.
“If you ask Nigerians on the street if they are interested in the strike, they will tell you that they are not interested; but if you ask them if they are interested in how their suffering will be alleviated, of course, they will be interested in that.
“Secondly, can the government consider creating a crude oil scheme for Nigerians’ consumption and sell the crude oil to some modular refineries for it to be sold to people at a reduced cost? They should also look at any other way to assist Nigerians in reducing the present suffering.”
