Planned strike is illegal, Justice Minister tells NLC, TUC

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has declared the strike called by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trader Union Congress (TUC) for June 3 illegal, unlawful, and a violation of the constitution.

Fagbemi warned them not to embark on their proposed strike and to return to the negotiation table so as not to go against the law guiding labour disputes.

The Attorney General, in a letter to the NLC and TUC leadership, criticized the unions’ strike declaration, citing a blatant disregard for labour laws and warning of consequences for their actions.

Fagbemi, who cited various relevant laws, insisted that both the NLC and TUC ought to have served a 15-day notice on the federal government before contemplating any strike action.

He said that the two bodies also violated the laws of the International Labour Organization (ILO) because the conditions precedent for the declaration of strike action were neither employed nor met.

The Attorney General reminded the unions that the National Industrial Court’s injunction, which prohibits the planned strike, remains in effect and is legally binding on all parties involved in the labour dispute.

Fagbemi suggested that the two labour unions continue with the already adjourned negotiation meeting at a later date.

He forwarded copies of the letter to top government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President, Minister of State for Labour, the National Security Adviser, Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the State Security Service.