NLC instructs its members to halt all CBN operations nationwide
Wednesday, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) instructed all workers to picket all Central Bank of Nigeria offices nationwide beginning from next week due to the country’s current cash crunch.
The directive was issued by NLC President Joe Ajaero during an ongoing press briefing at Labour House in Abuja.
Following the expiration of a one-week ultimatum given to the central bank to make cash available for Nigerians, he stated that the directive became mandatory.
Ajaero explained that the union made its decision after observing that the situation appears to be worsening despite the Supreme Court’s order allowing the old N500 and N1000 notes to circulate alongside the new ones until December 31, 2018.
The Daily Trust reports that the NLC issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government last Monday, following an emergency meeting of its Central Working Committee, to address the current fuel and naira shortage in the country.
Ajaero stated during the briefing held at Labour House that workers could no longer access cash to pay for transportation to their respective workplaces or to purchase food for their families.
He stated, “Last week, at the conclusion of our CWC meeting, we gave the federal government an ultimatum of one week to address, among other issues, the cash crunch caused by the policy.” When the CWC reconvened this morning to review the situation, it was determined that not much progress had been made. The situation is essentially unchanged. People continue to purchase our currency with our currency. The government appears to be extremely adamant that people no longer have access to the currency. No efforts have been made to alleviate Nigerians’ suffering.
Therefore, the CWC in session decided to initiate the process of implementing the one-week notice. Beginning on Friday, all state councils will be mobilized through a NEC meeting. “All unions have been instructed to mobilize all of their branches and organs.” By next Wednesday, all Central Bank of Nigeria offices across the country will be picketed. All central banks headquartered at the CBN will be closed until further notice. Workers are instructed to remain at home and participate in the picketing activity.
“We urge Nigerians to comprehend the environment in which we operate. People will discuss the political climate with you. The political situation is self-inflicted, while the economic situation is worse because people cannot eat.”
The labor leader characterized the proposed demonstration as “total,” claiming that the workers have been pushed to their breaking point.
He added, “Workers are unable to report to the office, and nothing is being done.” As a result, we have been pushed to our limits after being given one week to address the issue, which has not been resolved. We have decided to control our own destinies. So, comrades, the mobilization begins immediately, and when we speak of action beginning on Wednesday, we mean it! until further notice!
In response to the Daily Trust’s inquiry about the lingering fuel shortage, the labor leader stated that the issue of cash shortage is the top priority because it affects every Nigerian, adding that it will be investigated.
(TNT)
