The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural
Gas Workers (NUPENG) has instructed its members to join the indefinite
nationwide strike starting Monday. The union’s General Secretary, Mr. Afolabi
Olawale, confirmed the union's commitment to full compliance in a statement
released on Saturday.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the
Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) called for the strike to address
grievances over the proposed new minimum wage and recent electricity tariff
hikes. This decision comes after a failed agreement from the tripartite
committee on the new minimum wage.
In a joint statement, NLC President Mr. Joe
Ajaero and TUC President Mr. Festus Osifo emphasized the critical issues of the
unresolved minimum wage negotiations and the hike in electricity tariffs as
primary reasons for the strike. Olawale expressed concern over the federal
government's insensitivity to the workers' needs, citing socio-economic
policies that have further impoverished Nigerian workers.
“All leaders of our union, from units to
branches, should ensure full compliance with this directive,” Olawale stated,
highlighting the union’s resolve to support the nationwide strike.
Similarly, the National Union of
Electricity Employees (NUEE) has begun mobilizing its members in response to
the NLC and TUC directives. Acting General Secretary, Mr. Dominic Igwebike, has
called on all members to prepare for the strike, adding that the categorization
of electricity consumers into bands was another reason for their action.
Igwebike stated, “All national, state, and
chapter executives are to mobilize our members to ensure the government
addresses these critical issues.” The withdrawal of services is set to begin on
Sunday, June 2nd, at midnight.
This coordinated action by NUPENG and NUEE underscores the urgency of the workers' demands and signals a potential nationwide blackout if the strike proceeds as planned.
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