The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has restrained organised labour from embarking on a nationwide strike over the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol.
Justice Olufunke Anuwe made the declaration in a ruling on Monday, June 5.
The workers had fixed Wednesday, June 7, for the commencement of a nationwide strike over the removal of fuel subsidy.
It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu at his inauguration as Nigeria’s President on May 29, declared that “fuel subsidy is gone”, a pronouncement which triggered a hike in the pump price of price and extended more economic hardship to Nigerians.
The pronouncement generated debates, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) insisting on the old pump price.
However, Justice Anuwe also ordered that there should not be a strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated June 5, 2023.
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The judge ordered that the defendants (NLC and TUC) be served immediately with the processes in the suit, the Motion on Notice, and the order of the court.
Justice Anuwa further fixed the matter until June 19, for hearing.
The judge made the order sequel to an ex-parte application filed by the applicants, the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The applicants had submitted that the proposed strike action is capable of disrupting economic activities, the health sector, and the educational sector.
They claim that the strike may gravely affect the larger society and the well-being of the nation at large.
Counsel for the Federal Government, Maimuna Shiru, stated that students of secondary schools across the country, especially those writing WAEC examinations will be affected, adding that the tertiary institutions who just resumed after eight months ASUU strike will also be affected.
The application also stated that the strike will affect the health sector among other sectors and the economy of the nation.
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