The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) have said that their decision to embark on a nationwide strike had come as a shock to the Federal Government.

National Vice President of TUC Tommy Etim disclosed this following the labour unions’ meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Wednesday.

He further revealed that NLC and TUC will hold a joint extraordinary national executive council meeting later today.

“We commend the steps taken so far by the NSA. He made us understand that he didn’t see the issue on the ground as a political fight.

“He also noted that two people have been arrested in line with the brutalisation of Ajaero.

“Initially, the government felt the strike would not hold. They were shocked to see that we went ahead with our threats.

“We are going to have an extraordinary joint NEC this evening by 7 pm and I can tell you there is hope,” he said.

Recall that the Minister of Labour, Simon Bako Lalong, and the Minister of State for Labour, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, met with the striking unions on Wednesday.