Banks, electricity workers to join NLC nationwide strike over fuel subsidy removal

The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees has announced the withdrawal of services for Tuesday and Wednesday, saying its members will join the two-day nationwide warning strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The NLC declared the strike to protest against the hardship in the country foisted on the masses through the removal of fuel subsidy as announced by President Bola Tinubu in his inaugural speech on May 29.

The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees in a circular said it took the decision to join the strike after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting during the weekend.

The circular signed by the union’s President, Comrade Abakpa Anthony and the General Secretary, Hahamuth Mohammed I. Sheikh, read, “In line with the communique issued after the meeting of National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held on Thursday 31 August, 2023 that all affiliates should direct all its members to commence two days’ withdrawal of services from Tuesday & Wednesday the 5 & 6 September, 2023.

“The directive is imperative to get the needed attention of the government and warn it off its newfound love of meddling in the internal affairs of unions rather than address the punishing economic circumstances we find ourselves in.

“We hereby direct all our organs to comply with this directive by ensuring all our members stay off duties for the two days.”

Similarly, the National Union of Electricity Employees directed its members across the country to join the two-day nationwide warning strike.

A circular signed by the union’s President, Martin I. Uzoegwu and the Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, read, “With reference to the communique from the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) dated 31st August, 2023 at which the state of the economy and the plight of common Nigerians caused by the various government anti-poor policies were extensively discussed as well as the intimidatory activities of the government especially at the state levels on the organized labour unions, we are:

“To commence a 2-day nationwide warning strike (withdrawal of services) on Tuesday & Wednesday the 5th & 6th of September, 2023 to demand the state vacate the illegally occupied trade union offices.

“To embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from 1st September. 2023 until the Government takes steps to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country and other labour issues raised in the NLC communique.

“Given the above, all National, State, and Chapter executives are requested to start the mobilization of our members in total compliance with this directive in order to dissuade the government from its intimidatory activities toward the Unions as well as put measures in place to stop the deterioration of our economy and the masses sufferings.”