Why did the Kogi TUC not join the NLC’s nationwide warning strike?

The Chairman of the Kogi State TUC justified the choice to abstain from the two-day strike action.

Sule Ahmed Tijani, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Kogi State, has expressed the union’s position on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)’s two-day nationwide warning strike.

Tijani noted that the decision to forego strike action was based on ongoing negotiations between the TUC and the Federal Government over the withdrawal of gasoline subsidies. He stated that these negotiations were going well.

Comrade Ahmed Tijani, speaking to reporters in Lokoja on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, reaffirmed the TUC’s commitment to continued negotiations with the government.

He emphasised that the TUC’s National Executive Council had directed its affiliates not to engage in the warning strike. Despite acknowledging the problems encountered by workers in the state, the Kogi State Council of the TUC was required to follow national secretariat guidelines.

Nonetheless, Tijani expressed solidarity with other NLC employees and encouraged the Kogi State administration, led by His Excellency Yahaya Bello, to adopt a strategy to ease the hardships faced by the Kogi people as soon as possible.

He specifically requested that the proposal provided by the state’s Organised Labour through the Office of the Head of Service be given quick attention.

Comrade Tijani praised the state’s Head of Civil Service, Hannah Odiyo, for her tireless advocacy for workers’ rights. He urged enhanced efforts to advise the government on the importance of enacting measures to alleviate employees’ pain and prevent any negative consequences on productivity.

The State Labour Leader praised Kogi State employees’ fortitude and perseverance in the face of adversity. He told them that the TUC would continue to engage with the government to resolve workers’ issues, and he urged them to keep their faith and pray for a favourable resolution to the challenges that Kogi workers confront.