In a significant development, the National Industrial Court has issued a restraining order against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliates, preventing them from proceeding with a planned nationwide strike scheduled for November 14, 2023.
The decision came after an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, where the unions declared a total nationwide strike following the alleged assault on NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, in Imo state. The Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) swiftly responded with an ex-parte application, urging the court to intervene and halt the planned strike.
During the court proceedings, counsel for the Federal Government and AGF, Tijani Gazali, SAN, argued that the proposed strike would inflict untold hardship on law-abiding citizens and their businesses. He pointed out the recent inconvenience caused by the unions when they blocked entrances to the main airports during a protest, emphasizing the potential for a breach of peace and tranquility in the country if the strike proceeded.
In his ruling, the President of the court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, cited Sections 17 and 19 of the National Industrial Court Act, asserting the court’s authority to issue a restraining order to ensure peace and tranquility. The court directed the unions to halt their nationwide strike, and the restraining order is to be prominently displayed on the wall of the Labour House, the last known address of the two defendants.
Moreover, Justice Kanyip instructed that the order, along with the originating and other processes, be served on the defendants by publication in two major national dailies.
This legal development adds a new dimension to the ongoing labor dispute, with the court emphasizing the need for stability while addressing the grievances of the unions.
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