The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has labeled a rumored letter alerting associate unions of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and NLC state councils that strike action is scheduled to commence on December 18, 2023, as “absolutely fake.”
On December 18, affiliate unions were instructed to stop providing services by a circular purportedly signed by Comrade Emma Ugbaja, the General Secretary of the NLC, and Comrade Nuhu Toro, the Secretary General of the TUC.
The cause for the alleged strike was not stated in the circular, “NLC/TUC Nationwide Strike Action: A Gentle Reminder,” which bore the logos of the two labor centers.
It read: “In furtherance to the decision of the Joint National Executive Council (NEC) of NLC and TUC, all workers in Nigeria are hereby directed to withdraw their services effective 12:00 midnight the of 18th December 2023,
“Consequently, all affiliates and state councils of NLC/TUC are directed to issue circulars for maximum compliance, and these circulars be made available to the National Secretariats or posted to the NEC and CWC Whatsapp Platforms.
“While we shall update you with developments as they unfold, do remain assured of our commitment to Nigerian workers and people.”
Speaking to Vanguard on the authenticity of the purported circular, the General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Emma Ugbaja, denied knowledge of any proposed strike on Monday.
Ugbaja described the purported memo as “absolutely fake.”
He advised workers to ignore the circular on social media as it did not emanate from the two labour centers.