Court bars NLC , TUC from going on strike to protest fuel subsidy removal

 

ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC from embarking on strike to protest removal of fuel subsidy.

The NLC had slated Wednesday, June 7 for total strike, with electricity workers, transporters and journalists vowing to go with NLC in the strike.

But rulling on application filed by the Federal Government in suit number NICN/Abj/158/ 2023 between the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, which does not exist at the moment, Justice O.Y Anuwe granted the prayers restraining NLC.

Listed as respondents are the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC.

Maimuna Lami Shiru, DCL, Federal Ministery of Justice appeared with Feyisara Titiloye, PSC for the claimants/ applicants, while the parties were absent.

“I have heard learned counsel for the claimant/applicants on a Motion Exparte, wherein they seek an order of this court restraining the defendants/respondents, their members, agents, employees, workmen, servants, proxies or affiliates from embarking on the planned industrial action, and/or strike pending the determination of the Motion on notice, which was filed along with this application.

“ I have read the supporting affidavit and Exhibits FGN 1, 2, and 3 as well as the Written Address of counsel. I have also read the affidavit of urgency dated and filed 5th June, 2023”, the judge said.

Justice Anuwe added: “Having therefore considered the totality of this application, I mave the following orders;

“The defendants/Respondants are hereby restrained from embarking on the planned industrial action /or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated 5th June, 2023.

“It is ordered that the defendant/ respondent be immediately served with the originating processes in the suit, the Motion on Notice and the order of this court hereby made”, he said and fixed hearing for 19th June, 2023.