The National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja has stopped the planned strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC on Wednesday, June 7 over fuel subsidy removal.
Justice Olufunke Anuwe on Monday restrained the NLC and all its affiliates from further embarking on the strike planned for June 7 until the hearing and determination of the main suit.
Also Read: FG wades into NLC strike against Kaduna State
This order followed an application for interim injunction filed by the Federal Government and Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
Justice Anuwe gave the order on grounds that Section 7(b) of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria Act 2006, empowers the court with exclusive jurisdiction in matters relating to the grant of any order to restrain any person or body from taking part in any strike, lock out or any industrial action or any conduct in contemplation or in furtherance of strike, lock out or any industrial action.
The order is also pursuant to Sections 16 and 19(a) of the NIC Act 2006 which also empowers a court to make orders or grant urgent interim reliefs.
The court also stated that Counsel in the matter has pointed out that students of senior secondary schools nationwide, especially those writing the final year examination conducted by the West African Examination Council, WAEC will be affected. Additionally, tertiary institutions that have only just resumed after a long ASUU strike will also be affected, not leaving the health sector, among other sectors; and above all, the economy of the country.
On these grounds, the order was issued by the court pending the hearing and determination of the claimants motion on notice for interlocutory injunction. The matter has therefore been adjourned to June 19, 2023 for hearing.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
