Organised labour in Rivers State has warned of imminent industrial action that could disrupt economic activities nationwide if President Bola Tinubu does not reverse the emergency rule imposed on the state.
In a joint statement signed by leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Rivers, the unions expressed concern over the impact of the emergency rule, particularly on workers’ welfare and the state’s economic stability.
The labour unions stated that local government workers have yet to receive their salaries, leaving them vulnerable to severe economic hardship. They also highlighted the negative effect of the emergency rule on business investments in the state.
“The declaration of the emergency rule has put the state in a very disadvantageous position as potential investors who have indicated interest in ‘New Rivers Vision’ have all backed out of planned investments in the state,” the statement read.
While labour leaders acknowledged the need for maintaining law and order, they insisted that such measures must align with the Nigerian Constitution and prioritize the well-being of workers.
“While the Rivers State Organised Labour supports maintaining law and order, it insists that actions such as the declaration of a state of emergency and suspending elected officials must align with the Nigerian Constitution and protect workers from avoidable wage invalidity, non-payment of salaries at all levels, safety, and security threats,” the unions stated.
They called on the federal government to prioritize citizens’ safety and welfare over political considerations and urged immediate intervention by the presidency, National Assembly, and judiciary.
“The Rivers State Organised Labour is appealing to the President, National Assembly, and Judiciary to urgently reverse the premature state of emergency and suspension of elected officials and return the state to normalcy,” the statement continued.
Labour leaders also demanded genuine dialogue to resolve the crisis, warning that failure to meet their demands could lead to large-scale industrial action.
“The federal government is strongly advised to engage in genuine dialogue to prevent further escalation of the issues in Rivers State. All workers are advised to remain calm and continue their duties while awaiting a favorable response on the concerns raised.
“The Organised Labour may be compelled to take strategic union actions which might disrupt national economic activities if our demands are not met within a reasonable timeframe,” they cautioned.
The joint statement, dated March 24, 2025, was signed by Alex Agwanwor, chairperson of the NLC in Rivers State; Ikechukwu Onyefuru, chairperson of Rivers TUC; and Chuku Emecheta, chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC).
