Organised labour has warned that it may embark on a nationwide shutdown if the worsening wave of terrorism, banditry and kidnappings across the country is not checked.
The warning was said to have been issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at a joint briefing at the ongoing 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
They said the security crisis had become a direct threat to the safety, livelihoods and productivity of the Nigerian workers.
The unions say that workers across the country are increasingly bearing insecurity.
Many Nigerians can no longer travel safely, conduct business or carry out daily activities without fear of attacks, they said.
Labour leaders cautioned that Nigeria cannot attain meaningful economic growth or better workers’ welfare if communities continue to come under siege from armed groups and criminal networks.
The NLC and TUC said organised labour would not rule out industrial action if the authorities failed to demonstrate stronger commitment to protecting lives and property.
They called on the federal and state governments to put security and economic stability first.
The unions warned that if workers’ growing concerns were not addressed, it could lead to a stronger response from organised labour.
Labour Disagrees With ₦100,000 Salary Demand
The labour centres also debunked reports that talks were ongoing on a proposed ₦100,000 minimum wage.
They said some state governors’ claims were misleading.
NLC and TUC officials said the reports do not reflect the current state of engagements on workers’ welfare and remuneration.
They said no agreement had been reached on such a sum.
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