The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet the long-standing demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) or face a nationwide shutdown by organised labour.
The warning was delivered by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, on Monday in Abuja, following a strategic meeting with leaders of unions in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Outstanding Issues: 2009 Agreement and More
At a press conference held at the Labour House, Ajaero — flanked by national leaders of key educational unions — called on the Federal Government to urgently address all unresolved issues, including the 2009 renegotiated agreement with ASUU, which has remained a major source of tension between the union and the government.
“We are giving the Federal Government four weeks to resolve all outstanding issues with our affiliate unions in the education sector, particularly ASUU. Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to commence a nationwide, indefinite strike,” Ajaero declared.
Solidarity Action Looms
The proposed strike, according to the NLC, will be an indefinite solidarity action in support of ASUU and other unions in the tertiary education sector. Ajaero emphasised that organised labour remains committed to ending industrial unrest but said that the government’s continued delays and inaction were unacceptable.
“If the government shows sincerity and takes concrete action, all strikes can end immediately. But if they continue to take labour for granted, we will shut down the country,” he warned.
