NLC: We'll lock down the nation if we're harassed, says no going back on strike
Labour also expressed concern that plans had been finalised to target planned peaceful rallies throughout the nation.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to shut down its services across the country if any of its members are harmed or arrested during the planned two-day protest on February 27, 2024.
The NLC issued a statement on Sunday, signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, stating that the scheduled industrial action will not be cancelled.
The police had cautioned Labour not to violate the rights of others when it embarked on the planned strike.
"All we are arguing now is that people should have food, be safe, and live a dignified existence free of oppressive IMF/World Bank economic policies.
Labour also expressed concern that plans had been finalised to target planned peaceful rallies throughout the nation.
"We would like the state to understand that the solution to our terrible economic situation and hunger is not to suppress peaceful dissent or inflict violence on peacefully protesting citizens, as the government did in Minna and other cities, where its agents tear-gassed and beat up women before locking them up for speaking out against hunger. It does not involve the use of state-sponsored terror. Bullets and tear gas cannot put an end to hunger.
"In light of this, we at the Nigeria Labour Congress and civil society allies are moving ahead with our protest rallies against economic hardship and insecurity in line with the decision of the National Executive Council."
"We advise the State to put on its thinking cap and find answers to the problems it continues to inflict the people rather than further dehumanising them.
"However, if it is permanently set on a road of violence against us and other peace-loving Nigerians, it will be making an expensive error because if we are assaulted, there will be a complete shutdown due to worker withdrawal of services. Let no one be deceived; we and other deprived Nigerians are not easily intimidated," he stressed.
Ajaero stated that the strike would continue since the government had not done what it was supposed to do and had not followed the labour agreement.