Darkness, Scarcity Loom as Oil, Electricity Unions Mobilise for Strike

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has instructed its members to join an indefinite nationwide strike starting Monday, in compliance with directives from major labor centers.

NUPENG’s General Secretary, Mr. Afolabi Olawale, confirmed on Saturday the union’s commitment to full participation in the strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) announced the strike to protest the proposed new minimum wage and a recent electricity tariff hike. This decision followed a deadlock in negotiations by the tripartite committee.

In a joint statement, NLC President Mr. Joe Ajaero and TUC President Mr. Festus Osifo criticized the federal government’s failure to agree on a new minimum wage and condemned the increased electricity tariffs.

Mr. Olawale expressed concern over the government’s “insensitive attitude” towards critical issues affecting Nigerian workers, citing socio-economic policies that have worsened the plight of the working class.

He urged union leaders at all levels to ensure complete compliance with the strike directive.

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) also announced its readiness to join the strike. Acting General Secretary Mr. Dominic Igwebike issued a statement directing members to mobilize in support of the strike, citing unresolved minimum wage negotiations, electricity tariff hikes, and the categorization of consumers into bands as reasons for their participation.

Igwebike stated that the withdrawal of services would commence at midnight on Sunday, June 2.