In a bid to force an end to the seven-month long Academic Staff Union of Universities strike, the Ministry of Labour has filed a suit against the lecturers at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja.
According to reports on Sunday, Minister of Labour Chris Ngige is urging the court to intervene in the matter with urgency and bring the strike to end.
A letter by Mr. Ngige to the Industrial Court titled ‘Forwarding of a Referral Instrument in the Trade Dispute between the FG/Federal Ministry of Education and ASUU,” stated that : “In view of the fact that ASUU members have been on strike since February 14, 2222 and have refused to cull off the action despite apprehension of same, it would be appreciated if this dispute is given an accelerated hearing in order to bring the dispute to an end.
“Please find attached three original copies of a Referral Instrument regarding the trade dispute between the FG /Federal Ministry of Education and ASUU for adjudication by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
“The Referral Instrument is raised in fine with powers vested on the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment by trade dispute resolution mechanisms and the provision of Section 17 of the Trade Dispute Act. CAP. T8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004.