ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Industrial Court on Monday, June 19, 2023, reaffirmed that the order to restrain the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, from proceeding with their proposed industrial action continues to be in effect.
Justice Olufunke Anuwe stated that the order granted on June 5, 2023, would remain in place until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Additionally, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and adjourned the case to July 20 for a hearing.
The Federal Government’s counsel, Mr. Ochum Emmanuel, had earlier stated that the claimant was ready to present a motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction to prevent the defendants from starting the strike.
Mr. Marshall Abubakar, the defendants’ counsel, however, replied that they had filed an application to set aside the court’s restraining order granted on June 5, 2023.
The dispute revolves around the proposed nationwide strike by the NLC and TUC, scheduled for June 7, 2023, in protest of the removal of the fuel subsidy that led to increased pump prices for the Premium Motor Spirit.
The federal government, stating that the strike could seriously impact the society and the nation’s well-being, initiated the lawsuit to prevent the strike.
The claimant added that the strike could disrupt economic activities, especially affecting the health and education sectors.
Further details about the case will be available after the next hearing on July 20, 2023.
