Nigerian unions have grounded activities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja in protest of an attack on the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, in Imo State.
The unions, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), accused the Imo State government of using police officers to assault Ajaero. The police have denied involvement, and the Imo State government has accused Ajaero of meddling in politics.
The unions have declared a nationwide strike for November 14th, 2023.
On Thursday, the unions stormed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and blocked the entrance and exit routes. This has grounded aviation activities at one of the country’s busiest airports.
Hundreds of passengers have been stranded, and many have abandoned their vehicles and trekked to their destinations.
The unions say they will continue their blockade until the Imo State government meets their demands, which include an apology for the attack on Ajaero and the prosecution of the perpetrators.
The Imo State government has said that it is willing to meet with the unions to discuss their demands, but the unions have said that they will not back down until their demands are met.
The standoff between the unions and the Imo State government is the latest in a series of protests by Nigerian workers over economic hardship and government policies.
The Nigerian economy is in a recession, and inflation is at a record high. Many workers are struggling to make ends meet.
The unions are demanding that the government take action to address the economic crisis and improve the lives of workers.
The government has said that it is committed to addressing the economic challenges facing the country, but it has also warned that it will not cave to union pressure.
