National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja on Monday barred the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) from embarking on a planned nationwide strike on Wednesday, June 7 over removal of subsidy on fuel, a development that has led to increase in the price of petrol by over 150 percent across the country.
The presiding judge, Justice Olufunke Anuwe stopped NLC and all its affiliates from proceeding with the strike pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The court further ordered the service of the originating summons and motion on notice on the NLC against the next adjourned date of June 19.
The orders of the court followed an ex parte application by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice seeking to stop the planned strike.
Giving his order Justice Olufunke Anuwe said the federal Government’s submission reveals a scenario that may gravely affect the larger society and the wellbeing of the country at large.
The court also noted that the Federal Government’s counsel had pointed out that students of secondary school nationwide, especially those currently writing the Senior School Certificate Exams would be affected, students of tertiary institutions who resumed recently after a long ASUU strike would also be affected, and also other critical sectors like health and the economy generally.
The order comes as the Federal Government’s representatives meet with NLC representated by its President, Joe Ajero, at the Presidential Villa over the fuel subsidy removal.
