Nigerians to suffer total blackout as electricity workers set to join NLC strike

Godfrey Elimian
NLC strike: Nigerians to be thrown into total blackout as NUEE are set to join June 7 strike action
Power grid in Nigeria

Nigerians are set to be thrown into sheer darkness as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a directive to all its members, asking them to fully comply with the planned June 7 NLC strike action against the increase in fuel pump prices. 

This was declared by the Union in a letter sent to its members in response to the Nigeria Labour Congress’s call for a strike in response to the rise in fuel pump prices. The National Labour Congress (NLC) said last week that it will strike in protest over the hike in fuel pump prices from N195 to an average of N500 per litre in all states of the federation.

Excerpt of the letter sent by the NLC:

“You will recall that arising from the National Executive Council meeting held on June 2, 2023, it was decided that Congress will embark on a nationwide action and withdrawal of services, against the fraudulent increase in the prices of fuel across the thirty-six states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the FCT.” 

In response to the directive above, Dominic Igwebuike, the acting Secretary General of the NUEE, on behalf of the union stated that all its members are expected to comply through a letter it released. The letter reads:

NLC strike: Nigerians to be thrown into total blackout as NUEE are set to join June 7 strike action
Electricity workers

Sequel to the NLC Emergency National Executive Council meeting held on June 2 at the Labour House, Abuja, over the sudden removal of fuel subsidy which has brought untold hardship to Nigerians as well as increased inflation in the economy, the NLC has directed that the nationwide withdrawal of services action will commence on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.” 

To this effect, all national, state, and chapter executives are requested to start the mobilization of our members in total compliance with this directive. Please note that withdrawal of services nationwide commences from 0.00 hours of Wednesday, June 7, 20023.  

You are encouraged to work with the leadership of State Executive Councils (SEC) of the congress in your various states with a view to having a successful action. Please, ensure total compliance”, it stated further. 

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The planned NLC strike

Recall that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had declared a nationwide strike effective Wednesday, June 7th 2023. The directive was released by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Congress in Abuja as part of the resolutions reached on Friday, last week.

NLC strike: Nigerians to be thrown into total blackout as NUEE are set to join June 7 strike action

The strike follows the increment in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit across the country by the FG. The hike in fuel prices came as a result of the fuel subsidy removal, which was not provided for the Buhari-led administration in the 2023 fiscal budget plan.

Some of the affiliates of the NLC include – the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives among others, and National Union of Electricity Employees.

Nigerians would now be at the NUEE’s mercy until the strike is called off or the union and the federal government agree on a palpable solution.

Read also: The Nigerian tech industry under Buhari: A success story or a missed opportunity?


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