January 21, 2004

Brother Adams Oshiomhole

President

Nigeria Labour Congress

Labour House

Plot 820/821, NTA Link Road

Central Business District

Abuja, NIGERIA

Dear Brother Adams,

On behalf of all affiliates of the Canadian Labour Congress, representing 2,5 million workers in Canada, I wish to assure you of our full solidarity and complete support in the serious conflict opposing the NLC to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

We know how much effort you have put into trying to convince the Nigerian government of the negative effects its price policies on petroleum products. The attitude of the Federal Government in this whole affair is very perturbing.

Over the past years, the NLC has consistently shown its commitment to fighting poverty and improving the lives of Nigerian workers and their families. On numerous occasions, you have demonstrated the ill-effects of petrol price increases on your country’s people and economy. The NLC also demonstrated a great deal of patience and good will towards the Government of President Obasanjo and its professed commitment to democracy and development, at home and elsewhere in Africa.

Nevertheless, we note your government’s continuous elusion from engaging trade unions and civil society in a meaningful dialogue over policies to address the social and economic problems of the Nigerian people.

Although yesterday’s judgment issued by the Court of Appeal in Abuja may force the Federal Government to suspend its policy and subsequently convince the NLC to suspend its general strike, we will remain supportive of any future action that could contribute to a meaningful dialogue and genuine efforts to improve the living conditions of the vast majority of Nigerians.

Moreover, we are very concerned that the Government continues to allow the police to take repressive actions against legitimate labour activity. Yesterday again in Lagos, seven labour leaders were arrested and journalists were assaulted. This form of intimidation is cause for great concern to us and we call for the respect of all Nigerians’ fundamental rights.

In solidarity,