Following the announcement of an indefinite strike by organized labor over the Nigerian government’s failure to pass a new National Minimum Wage Act and reverse the electricity tariff hike to N65/kWh, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has signaled its intent to join the industrial action.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared an indefinite nationwide strike starting on Monday, June 3, 2024, to push for their demands. Labor unions have instructed their members and affiliate unions across the states to fully mobilize and participate in the strike, aiming to secure a living wage for Nigerian workers amid the economic challenges exacerbated by President Bola Tinubu’s removal of subsidies.
In line with this directive, NUPENG has urged its members to comply with the strike call from the labor centers. A statement issued on Saturday by its General Secretary, Mr. Afolabi Olawale, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to total compliance with the directive. Afolabi expressed concern over the federal government’s indifferent stance towards negotiating a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers, citing the adverse impact of the administration’s socio-economic policies on the working population.
“This is in view of the various socio-economic policies of this administration that have impoverished the working people of this country. Leaders of our great union at all levels, from the units, zones, and branches, should immediately put all processes in place to ensure total compliance with this directive,” Afolabi stated.
Meanwhile, NUEE Acting General Secretary, Mr. Dominic Igwebike, announced that members are being mobilized to join the indefinite strike from Monday. Igwebike noted that alongside the issues of the unresolved minimum wage negotiations and the electricity tariff hike, the apartheid-like categorization of Nigerian electricity consumers into bands was another reason for the strike.
“Given the above, all national, state, and chapter executives are requested to start the mobilisation of our members in total compliance with this directive to ensure the government does the right thing as stated above. The withdrawal of services becomes effective on Sunday, June 2, at 12.00 midnight,” Igwebike said in a statement to members.