Date: 2016-05-18

In compliance with the directive of the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Kwara state chapter of the NLC on Wednesday shut many government establishments and schools across the state, following the increase in pump price of petroleum.

Many government buildings including Governor's Office, State Secretariat and Ministries were equally picketed by the Labour leaders in the state to force workers to comply with the industrial action.

At Radio Kwara, the State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Yekini Agunbiade and another Labour Leader, Comrade Onagun appealed to workers of the station to join the strike to force the Federal Government to reverse its decision on the removal of subsidy and increase of pump price to one hundred and forty-five naira.

However, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Radio Kwara chapter, Alhaji Basir Jimoh and the Chairman of RATTAWU, Mallam Umar Yaru, promised to give the NLC leaders feedback after full consultation with the staff and management of the station.

Speaking with newsmen on the development, the State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Yekini Agunbiade said the industrial action was in compliance with the national body against the hike in pump price of petroleum.

Comrade Agunbiade noted that NLC remains the hope of the masses and would continue to fight for the benefits of the masses

In his reaction, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Kola Olumoh however distanced the Union from the ongoing strike.

Comrade Olumoh said the State TUC did not mobilise its members for the industrial action following the directive of the National body to shelve the strike.

Comrade Olumoh believed that the negotiation with the Federal Government would yield fruitful results.

Commercial banks and transporters however shunned the industrial action as bank customers were seen moving in and out of banks within Ilorin metropolis while members of transport unions continue with their normal activities.