The Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is making efforts to prevent the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) warning strike scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed this in an interview with PUNCH on Saturday, September 2, 2023.

According to him, the government is committed to engaging in discussions with the organized labor leaders to avert the impending strike. The NLC had issued a communiqué, signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, and National Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, on Friday, citing the government's failure to engage in dialogue concerning the removal of petrol subsidy and its impact on the masses as the reason for the strike.

The NLC listed several grievances, including the police's actions at the National Union of Road Transport Workers' headquarters, workers' rights violations in Imo State, and interference by the Abia State Government in trade union matters. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike's proposed demolition of houses was also mentioned.

The organized labor previously staged a one-day protest on August 2 to highlight the country's economic hardships, which disrupted activities in many states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Minister of Information expressed hope that the warning strike could be averted through ongoing discussions and improved understanding of each other's positions. He mentioned that the new minister had just begun engaging with the NLC and that more expedited discussions would follow. Tension had reduced, and negotiations were in progress. A meeting was scheduled for Monday to seek an amicable resolution.

However, the NLC remained resolute in its demands, emphasizing that these were substantial and not achievable by the government before Tuesday's strike. This warning strike aimed to demonstrate their commitment to achieving the right solutions for Nigeria and holding the government accountable to the interests of Nigerians.

The NLC called on Nigerians to continue monitoring the government's actions, stressing that safeguarding the country's future was of paramount importance.