Court bars NLC, TUC from Tuesday nationwide strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and its affiliates have been prohibited from launching any kind of strike or industrial action by the National Industrial Court (NIC).

According to Channels TV, the two main labour unions received an order last evening to cease their planned statewide strike action that was set to begin on Tuesday, November 14.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Minister of Justice, and an ex-parte application were the reasons behind the restraining order’s issuance by Court President Justice Benedict Kanyip.

In order to impose the restraining order against the workers union, Justice Kanyip used Sections 17 and 19 of the National Industrial Court Act.

In the ex-parte application, the federal government and the AGF, represented by attorney Tijani Gazali, pleaded to the court to halt the planned strike action in order to spare innocent law-abiding citizens and their companies from many suffering.

Gazali brought up several difficulties faced by Nigerians to the court during his ex-parte application argument.

He warns that there could be a risk of a breakdown of the nation’s peace and tranquilly if the planned strike action is not prevented.

The judge made a brief ruling, stating that the court can step in and impose a restraining order to protect peace and quiet.

He then granted every request made by the federal government in the motion paper.

In addition, Justice Kanyip ordered that the restraining order be posted on the wall of Labour House, which is the defendants’ last known residence, in order to alert them to the court’s stance.

In addition, the judge ordered that the defendants receive service of the order, the originating procedure, and other documents by publishing in two significant national daily.

The case file has since been moved to Justice Olufunke Yemi Anuwe, who is reportedly managing cases involving the same parties and labour disputes.

The Court President stated that Justice Anuwe would notify the parties of the hearing at the proper time.