Strike: Court order stops NLC from staging protest? Union speaks

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has told the federal government that there is no court order stopping it from holding a peaceful protest or strike.

In a letter dated Friday, July 28, 2023, and addressed to the permanent secretary (PS) of the federal ministry of justice, the NLC via a letter from Femi Falana Chambers stated that the right to demonstrate and protest on matters of public concern was in the public’s interest, Vanguard newspaper reported.

The letter was titled "Re-NLC in contempt of court,” and signed by Sam Ogala, according to This Day newspaper.

It partly reads: “In your reaction to the decision of Nigerian workers to participate in peaceful rallies to protest the worsening economic crisis in the country, you were reported to have accused the leaders of Nigeria Labour Congress of treating the order of the National Industrial Court with contempt.

“Contrary to your unwarranted allegation, the Nigeria Labour Congress does not intend to disobey the ex parte order of the National Industrial Court to the effect that ‘The defendants/respondents are hereby restrained from embarking on the planned industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice, dated June 5, 2023.’”