BREAKING: SGF, George Akume, Summons Labour to Emergency Meeting Over Strike

Abuja, Nigeria – June 3, 2024

In a significant development aimed at resolving the ongoing nationwide strike, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has summoned labor leaders to an emergency meeting. The strike, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), has brought economic activities to a standstill since Monday.

Comrade Festus Osifo, President of the TUC, confirmed to Free Surge Magazine that labor leaders are currently heading to the SGF’s office for the crucial meeting. “The outcome of the meeting will determine if labor will call off the ongoing strike which paralyzed economic activities today,” Osifo stated.

Amid the high-stakes discussions, reports emerged suggesting that soldiers were surrounding the meeting venue, causing concern among labor leaders and the public. However, the Army Headquarters quickly dispelled these claims, clarifying that the military personnel present were there solely as escorts for the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

“Attention of Army Headquarters has been drawn to a false breaking news by NLC alleging that soldiers currently surround the venue of the ongoing meeting between NLC and the SGF,” the Army stated. “Kindly note that the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who is also attending the meeting, arrived at the meeting venue with his retinue of statutorily approved military escorts. Once the meeting is over, the escorts will lead the NSA from the venue.”

The statement urged the public to disregard the “deliberate and misleading falsehood being peddled about the presence of the escorts at the meeting.”

The nationwide strike, which demands a higher minimum wage and the reversal of recent electricity tariff hikes, has led to widespread disruptions. Notable impacts include:

• Power Outages: The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that the national grid was intentionally disabled by the electricity workers union, resulting in a nationwide blackout.
• Transport Chaos: At Lagos Airport, all entry points to the domestic terminal have been blocked, stranding passengers and suspending flight operations.
• Education Sector Halt: The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has joined the strike, halting academic activities across the nation’s universities.
• Healthcare Disruptions: Nurses and midwives have also joined the strike, further straining an already pressured healthcare system.

The SGF’s emergency meeting is seen as a critical step toward resolving the crisis. As negotiations continue, the nation remains hopeful for a swift and amicable resolution that addresses the concerns of the labor unions while stabilizing the country’s economy and public services.

Free Surge Magazine will continue to provide updates on this developing story.