The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday condemned as “absolutely fake” a claimed letter addressed to NLC state councils and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC affiliate unions, reminding them of a December 18, 2023 strike.
The affiliate unions were asked to withdraw their services on December 18 by a circular reportedly signed by the NLC’s General Secretary, Comrade Emma Ugbaja, and the TUC’s Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro.
However, the circular, titled “NLC/TUC Nationwide Strike Action: A Gentle Reminder” and bearing the logos of the two labour organisations, was quiet on the reason for the alleged strike.
It read: “In furtherance to the decision of the Joint National Executive Council (NEC) of NLC and TUC, all workers in Nigeria are hereby directed to withdraw their services effective 12:00 midnight the of 18th December 2023,
“Consequently, all affiliates and state councils of NLC/TUC are directed to issue circulars for maximum compliance and these circulars be made available to the National Secretariats or posted to the NEC and CWC Whatsapp Platforms.
“While we shall update you with developments as they unfold, do remain assured of our commitment to Nigerian workers and people.”
When contacted to confirm the authenticity of the circular, the General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Emma Ugbaja, denied knowledge of any proposed strike on Monday, describing the purported memo as “absolutely fake”.
He advised workers to ignore the circular that is on social media as it did not emanate from the two labour centers.