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Blackout Looms as Oil and Electricity Workers’ Unions Mobilize for Planned Strike






 

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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