Breaking: FG Risks Nationwide Strike as NLC Wades In Over ASUU Demands, Issues Ultimatum

NLC Gives FG Four Weeks to Meet ASUU’s Demands or Risk Nationwide Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) or face a total shutdown by labour unions across the country. Eagles Sight News has gathered. 

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this known on Monday in Abuja after a meeting with leaders of tertiary institution-based unions.

Ajaero explained that the four-week window was to enable the Federal Government to address all unresolved issues with the unions, including the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.

The NLC president, who addressed a press conference at the Labour House alongside national leaders of educational unions, warned that the Congress would embark on an indefinite strike should the government fail to act within the stipulated time.

“If the Federal Government is sincere, labour can end all industrial actions immediately. But if the government continues to take labour for granted, then they will have no choice but to shut down the country,” he said.

NO WORK, NO SALARY

ASUU had on Sunday declared a two-week total and comprehensive strike following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum earlier issued to the government on September 28.

According to ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, the strike was prompted by the government’s failure to address key issues, including staff welfare, infrastructure development, salary arrears, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.

However, the Federal Government has faulted the union for embarking on the strike, maintaining that efforts are ongoing to resolve the grievances. It has also directed universities to enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy against striking lecturers.