Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has cautioned workers participating in strikes.

He stated that workers who join strikes organized by NLC and TUC could face six months in jail.

According to Fagbemi, Section 18 of the Trade Disputes Act mandates workers in essential services to give their employers a 15-day notice before stopping work. Failure to comply could lead to a fine or six months’ imprisonment upon conviction.

He emphasized the importance of the 15-day notice, citing Sections 41 and 42(1)(b) of the Act, which criminalize non-compliance.

Fagbemi mentioned ongoing negotiations for a new national minimum wage and highlighted that the proposed strike violates a National Industrial Court order and ongoing mediation efforts.

He also mentioned that the proposed strike violates a court order and ongoing mediation efforts.

he said

 
“You are further invited to recall the pendency of the interim injunctive order granted on 5th June 2023 in suit no: NICN/ABJ/158/2023 — FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR VV. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR, which order restrained both Nigeria Labour Congress und Trade Union Congress from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature,” he said.
 
“While the government assures that it would continue to adopt a conciliatory approach to resolving matters pertaining to workers and citizens welfare in the spirit of collective bargaining, I would like to urge you to kindly reconsider the declaration of strike action and return to the ongoing negotiation meetings, which has been adjourned to a date to be communicated to parties.