NLC and TUC Seek to Set Aside Interim Order: The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have filed a Motion on Notice at the National Industrial Court, Abuja, requesting the court to revoke the interim order that halted their planned industrial action against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Tinubu administration. They argue that the suit filed by the federal government violates constitutional provisions and relevant industrial court acts, warranting the ex-parte order to be set aside.
Right to Strike and Protest: The NLC and TUC assert that they and their members have the right to go on strike, as protected by the Trade Unions Act, Trade Disputes Act, and various international treaties. They argue that Nigerian workers have the fundamental right to protest against government policies deemed detrimental to their interests. They claim that the government’s lawsuit is lacking bona fide and constitutes an abuse of the judicial process.
Allegations of Suppressed Facts and Misleading the Court: The respondents contend that the federal government suppressed material facts and misled the court when obtaining the ex-parte reliefs sought. They argue that the plaintiffs’ suit should be dismissed or struck out for lack of jurisdiction and the ex-parte order should be set aside. The affidavit presented highlights previous instances of protests against fuel subsidy removal and agreements reached between the parties involved, emphasizing that the government failed to honor those agreements before scrapping the subsidy.
The NLC and TUC’s motion challenges the interim order imposed by the Industrial Court and highlights their right to protest and strike. They argue that the federal government failed to disclose crucial information and call for the dismissal of the suit. As the court evaluates their claims, the outcome will have significant implications for workers’ rights and the ongoing debate surrounding the fuel subsidy in Nigeria.
