The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) issued a plea on Monday, urging organized labor to reconsider its nationwide strike. According to Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the strike has the potential to escalate tension and political instability within Nigeria.
Adejobi encouraged the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to resume negotiations with the Federal Government.
The organized labor initiated the strike to advocate for an increase in the minimum wage for workers. While labor proposes N494,000 as the new minimum wage, the Nigerian government insists on a figure of N60,000. Adejobi’s statement highlighted the Federal Government’s recent declaration that the planned strike is illegal and premature, expressing concerns about its potential to spark heightened tensions and instability.
“The NPF hereby urges organised labour to proceed with the ongoing deliberations at the Tripartite Committee, which is focused on determining a new minimum wage, and shelve the planned strike as such decision is essential to prevent untold hardships on members of the public and maintain order and stability within our country.
“The Nigeria Police Force assures the public that ample deployments have been made across the country to ensure that citizens can go about their lawful duties without hindrance.
“Therefore, all members of the public are encouraged to remain calm and continue with their lawful daily activities, while organized labour is urged to act responsibly and in accordance with the law, prioritizing dialogue and legal avenues to resolving the existing grievances.”
