We give you 14 days to leave our secretariat, NLC tells Edo State government 

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday gave the Edo state government a 14-day ultimatum to quit its secretariat in Benin.

The NLC, in a statement signed by Joe Ajaero and Emmanuel Ugboaja, the President and General Secretary, respectively, after its NEC meeting In Owerri, the Imo state capital, condemned the actions of the Police and the Governor Monday Okpebholo, of Edo State in orchestrating an invasion of the NLC State Secretariat.

According to BusinessDay, the Union stated that the “brazen act of impunity included the ransacking of properties and the unlawful removal of items, all in a bid to impose an illegitimate leadership on the workers.”

The NEC therefore resolved to give the Edo State Government and the Police a deadline of 14 working days, up to January 8, 2025, to vacate the Secretariat premises, return all confiscated properties to the Congress, and commit to refraining from further interference in trade union activities.

“Failure to comply will compel the Congress to initiate unprecedented measures in defense of workers’ and trade union rights.”

The NLC said the NEC meeting in Owerri was partly to roll out its South East region’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus Services and also deliberate on critical issues impacting Nigerian workers and the general populace.

The NLC said it also examined the worsening socio-economic conditions brought about by government policies, which have plunged Nigerians into unprecedented hardship and deepened the crisis of survival across the country.

The NLC also expressed grave concern over the persistent cash scarcity currently plaguing business activities in the country, describing it as an unfortunate and exploitative burden on the already struggling populace.

The Union said Nigerians are being forced to forfeit 5% of their funds each time they access cash, an unacceptable situation that exacerbates the economic woes faced by millions.

“The impact of this on small businesses and other informal Economy operatives is huge as the situation poses serious disproportionate challenge to the poor and struggling workers and masses.”