NLC strike records low compliance, Union says it'll expand

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed confidence that its nationwide indefinite strike over fuel price hike, which commenced on Wednesday, May 18, would gain momentum in the coming days.

Speaking on Channels TV Sunrise Daily, earlier on Wednesday, the Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Amechi Asugwuni, said "as we progress on the indefinite strike, it will expand itself."

The negotiation between the Ayuba Wabba-led Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Government had ended in a deadlock on Tuesday, May 17.

Wabba stormed out of the meeting with his team after the government insisted it would not shift ground on the N145 pump price, and for recognizing the Joe Ajaero-led NLC faction, which reached an agreement with the government not to join the strike at an earlier meeting.

Following the failed negotiation, the NLC President, Wabba affirmed that it would go ahead with the strike, while the Federal Government invoked the 'no work, no pay' policy.

READ: Ambode urges Lagosians to ignore protests

However, the first day of the NLC strike on Wednesday recorded low compliance as many workers and traders in various states went about their normal business.

The NLC staged protests in Abuja, Lagos, Edo, Ekiti, Delta, Oyo States and a few others, but according to reports, the protests did not receive significant attention and attendance, and was not taken seriously by many Nigerians.