The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has directed public sector workers to embark on a national strike from next Wednesday. Its president, Joe Ajaero, gave the directive yesterday during a media briefing in Abuja. He also directed his affiliates to vote for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in the federation.
Ajaero said the order was a result of the expiry of the one-week ultimatum given to the apex bank to make cash available to Nigerians.
But a reliable source in the CBN said last night that banks have been ordered to collect old Naira notes deposited with the CBN, assuring that before the end of the week, the country will be flooded with the currency. He said there was no need for any action by Labour
The NLC urged the Federal Government to address the difficulties faced by Nigerians due to currency challenges, fuel shortages and increase in electricity tariffs.
The central labor body, in a communiqué, said that the three are among the most controversial issues in the Central Working Committee (CWC) that have raised serious concerns.
The communique specifically called on the government to take immediate action to address the economic and social problems worrying Nigerians. Read: “CWC says poor implementation of Naira redesign policy has caused pain and distress to people.
“Accordingly, the CWC has decided to give the government seven working days, starting Tuesday, March 14, to provide the Naira notes or the Congress will be forced to direct its members to withdraw their services.
“Also, the CWC session, after reviewing the fuel supply situation in the country and the arbitrary charges at the filling stations, expressed its dismay at the indifference of the NNPC and the government. Therefore, it decided to ask the NNPC/FGN to normalize the fuel supply situation .
“The CWC expressed its anger at the increase in electricity rates without notice and without improvement in the quality of service. The CWC has decided that from now on, any increase without notice will be followed with a befitting response.