President Bola Tinubu late Tuesday night held an unexpected emergency meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The closed-door meeting took place at the State House, Abuja, and began at about 11:27pm, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
It followed rising tension across the country after labour leaders announced plans to protest worsening insecurity nationwide.
Only days earlier, the NLC had declared December 17 for a nationwide demonstration, citing what it described as a “degenerating security situation” that has continued to worry workers and citizens alike.
However, Tuesday’s engagement suggests last-minute efforts are being made to prevent a shutdown.
The high-level meeting brought together NLC president Joe Ajaero, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and Minister of Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Meanwhile, tension had already built earlier on Tuesday when the NLC raised concerns about an alleged plot by “unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings” to infiltrate and violently disrupt the planned protest.
Speaking after the meeting, Ajaero explained that the discussion with the president was consultative in nature.
He stressed that no final decision had yet been taken on whether the protest would go ahead.
“We came for consultation with the president, and we have finished, so we have to go back to our meeting and then continue tomorrow.
By tomorrow you will get the outcome. Whether I am insisting on or not insisting on the protest, I will communicate to you; it is not an organisation that one person rules.
Let’s go back; after a meeting of labour and the governor’s forum, we go back to the drawing board and digest all that Mr President said to us and move forward from there,” he said.
However, Ajaero did not confirm whether the Nigeria Labour Congress strike had been suspended or cancelled.
He noted that internal consultations would continue before any announcement is made.
Moreover, Governor Uzodimma described the meeting as productive and reassuring. He said Nigerians would be properly informed once discussions are concluded.
“Consultation is going on; we were dialoguing. Like he said, at the end of the day, you will know what you are supposed to know and what you want to know. What should Nigerians expect? Of course, we are here to serve the country both the labour, the government and the governed. We are all working in service to the nation,” he said.
Therefore, attention now shifts to Wednesday, December 17, when labour leaders are expected to announce their final decision.
