The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, LATEEF FAGBEMI has condemned the call to industrial action by organised labour describing it as “premature, ineffectual, and illegal.”

Highlighting the premature nature of the strike declaration, FAGBEMI in a letter addressed to the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) emphasised that negotiations between the Federal Government and other stakeholders on determining a new national minimum wage had not reached a conclusive end.

He highlighted the importance of considering the interests and capacities of all employers, including the organised private sector, in setting a minimum wage that benefits the entire working population.

The AGF also questioned the legality of the proposed strike action, pointing out that the labour unions had not initiated trade disputes with their employers or issued any strike notices as required by law.

He emphasized the gravity of non-compliance with the mandatory 15-day notice, highlighting the criminalization of such actions under the Trade Disputes Act.

In light of these legal considerations, the Minister of Justice urged organized labour to reconsider their stance and return to negotiation tables, emphasizing the importance of pursuing their cause within the bounds of the law.