JUST IN: NLC Writes ASUU, 43 Unions, Demands Readiness For Nationwide Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a directive to its 43 affiliate unions, urging them to mobilise for an impending nationwide industrial action on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

The strike action comes in response to the recent hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Among the NLC affiliates joining the protest are notable unions such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, and National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives.

In a letter addressed to the affiliate unions and signed by Emmanuel Ugboaja, the General Secretary of the NLC, the Congress expressed its purpose, stating, “Greetings from the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Following the decision made during the National Executive Council meeting on June 2, 2023, it was agreed that the Congress would initiate a nationwide action and service withdrawal to protest the unjustified increase in fuel prices across all thirty-six states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the FCT.”

The NLC emphasised the commencement date of the nationwide action as Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Consequently, all national leaders are expected to rally their members and ensure strict adherence to the directives, with complete withdrawal of services from both the public and private sectors.

The NLC called upon the Presidents and General Secretaries of the unions to facilitate the implementation of the decisions made by the National Executive Council.

Recall that during his inauguration speech at the Eagle Square in Abuja on Monday, President Bola Tinubu announced the end of fuel subsidy payments.

Tinubu clarified that the 2023 budget did not allocate funds for fuel subsidies, justifying the termination of such payments.

He emphasised that his administration would redirect resources towards infrastructure development and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the economy.

Following the President’s announcement, fuel queues quickly reemerged across the country, prompting widespread dissatisfaction among Nigerians who lamented the significant surge in petrol prices at various filling stations.