Following a strike declaration by the Nigeria Labour Congress, the union has issued a letter to all 43 affiliate unions, urging them to prepare for an upcoming industrial action set to begin on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
The strike is a response to the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit. Notable 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, and others.
In the communication sent to the affiliates, signed by NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Congress conveys greetings from the NLC leadership and reminds them of the decision made during the National Executive Council meeting on June 2, 2023.
It was decided that the Congress would undertake a nationwide action and withdraw services in protest against the unjustifiable rise in fuel prices across all thirty-six states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.
The nationwide action is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. All national leaders are expected to mobilize their members for the action and ensure full compliance with the directives.
Services in both the public and private sectors are anticipated to be completely withdrawn. The Presidents and General Secretaries are urged to assist in implementing the decisions of the National Executive Council.
It is recalled that during his inaugural speech at the Eagle Square in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu announced the end of subsidy payment on fuel.
Tinubu mentioned that the 2023 budget did not allocate funds for fuel subsidy and emphasized the redirection of resources towards infrastructure and strengthening the economy.
However, this decision has been met with resistance from the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, as they insist that the President cannot unilaterally decide on subsidy removal.
Consequently, the country has experienced a rapid resurgence of fuel queues at filling stations, with citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with the significant increase in petrol prices.