The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to go on a nationwide strike on August 14, 2023, if the Federal Ministry of Justice does not withdraw a lawsuit filed against the organised labour.

The NLC made the decision during its National Executive Council meeting, which was held in Abuja on Thursday.

In a statement signed by the national president, Joe Ajaero, the NLC said that the lawsuit was filed in an attempt to intimidate and harass the labour movement.

The NLC said that it has been a vocal critic of the government’s recent economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the increase in electricity tariffs.

The NLC said that it is willing to suspend its protests if the government meets its demands but that it will not tolerate any further attempts to intimidate or harass the labour movement.

Ajaero said the NEC resolved “to support and affirm the decision to suspend further protest on the nationwide mass protest; to commit to maintaining the required vigilance needed to hold government accountable on its assurances and governance in general; To commit to the terminal date of August 19, 2023, within which the issues around the Petroleum price hike will be agreed given the assurances of the President and the National Assembly.

“To go on total strike across the country any day labour leaders are summoned to court by the government through the NICN. To demand the immediate withdrawal of this litigious terrorism by the Federal Ministry of Justice before the end of work Friday, the 11th of August, 2023.

“To embark on a nationwide comprehensive strike beginning Monday, 14th of August, 2023 if this contemptuous court summons is not withdrawn by whosoever initiated it.”