“The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its intent to paralyze the economy, announcing a two-day nationwide warning strike in response to the economic hardships resulting from the removal of subsidies by the Federal Government.
This action has garnered widespread support from various stakeholders, including the banking sector, civil society organizations, and workers’ unions, who have united to address the growing economic crisis in the nation.
The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE), representing workers in the banking and insurance industry, has firmly committed to participating in the strike. This decision will effectively halt financial activities across Nigeria.
A statement issued by Mr. Mohammed Sheikh, the General Secretary of NUBIFIE, highlighted the significance of their involvement in the two-day warning strike led by the NLC. It emphasized the need to draw the government’s attention to the dire economic circumstances faced by Nigerians.
NUBIFIE’s leadership has notified that all banks will be closed on Tuesday, September 5, and Wednesday, September 6, 2023, in line with the NLC’s two-day strike directive.
“The directives are crucial to bring the government’s attention to the severe economic conditions we are enduring, rather than interfering in union matters,” the statement stressed.
In a conversation with The PUNCH, Mr. Aboderin Olusola, the Senior Deputy General Secretary of NUBIFIE, reiterated their commitment to the NLC’s cause, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among industrial unions during these challenging times.
Olusola stated, “The NLC’s directive applies to all industrial unions, and NUBIFIE had no choice but to issue this circular to all our members and the management of banks and insurance companies in Nigeria.”
Adding to the growing concerns, the United Action Front of Civil Society has declared its wholehearted support for the NLC’s two-day warning strike.
In a statement endorsed by Wale Okunniyi, the Head of the National Coordinating Centre for the United Action Front of Civil Society, the organization expressed deep dismay over the suffering inflicted on Nigerians due to the government’s removal of fuel subsidies and subsequent increase in the price of premium motor spirit.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has also thrown its weight behind the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in their decision to embark on the two-day warning strike.
In a letter titled “Compliance to the Nigerian Labour Congress directive on a nationwide two-day warning strike,” signed by John Ikemefuna, the Head of Media for MWUN, the union expressed solidarity with the NLC’s cause.
Last Friday, the NLC issued a communiqué jointly signed by its National President, Joe Ajaero, and Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, announcing the two-day warning strike. This action was prompted by what was described as the Tinubu-led Federal Government’s failure to engage in dialogue with organized labor and stakeholders to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the “vulnerable masses.”
Adewale Adeyanju, the President General of MWUN, instructed all its affiliates to participate in the two-day nationwide strike. He cited the government’s reluctance to engage with organized labor on the severe consequences of the petrol price hike, which has brought significant hardship to Nigerian workers and the general population.
Adeyanju stated, “The MWUN, as an affiliate of the NLC, is obligated to adhere to the directive and has accordingly directed all our members in ports, jetties, terminals, and oil and gas platforms across the country to take part in the two-day total shutdown warning strike as directed by the NLC.”
State chapters join
Labour unions across the states of the federation are also gearing up for the showdown.
In Abia State, the state chapter of the NLC accused the state government of insensitivity to their plights, describing it as unacceptable.
This was even as it has called on all affiliate unions in the state not to ignore the national directive on the warning strike but should join forces with organised labour to tell the government that enough is enough.
Addressing journalists in Umuahia on Monday, the state chairman, Pascal Iheme Nweke, regretted that the state government failed to carry labour along in matter that concerns workers in the state.
According to the Abia NLC, the relationship between government and labour in the state is not cordial, pointing out that the state government forms committees concerning workers in the state without involving labour, noting that it is not unacceptable.
Similarly, organised labour in Kogi state has ordered its members to join the two- day warning strike as directed by the National Executive Council of the NLC.
In a news bulletin circulated in Lokoja on Monday at the end an emergency meeting to ratify the decision made by the NEC, and signed by the Chairman, Gabriel Amari, and the Secretary, Owoeye Oladipupo respectively, the union said Kogi State as part of the country was not immune to the prevailing national sentiments, taking into account the extensive hardships and deprivation afflicting our citizens.
It said, “The council scrutinised the Federal government’s failure to establish structure to address the widespread suffering in our nation.”
“Furthermore, it considered the government’s deliberate neglect and disregard for engaging with national stakeholders through the channels of social dialogue, a commitment it had solemnly declared during the president’s inaugural address on May 29, 2023.
NLC shuns FG
As the impending strike draws closer, the Federal Government has issued an appeal, urging organized labor to reconsider the planned nationwide two-day warning strike. This appeal comes as support for the strike swells among various unions and civil society allies, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Non-Teaching Staff of Universities, and NUBIFIE.
Simon Bako Lalong, the Minister of Labour and Employment, emphasized that the government has already implemented measures to alleviate the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, which are being applied at all government levels. He underscored the significance of preserving industrial harmony and preventing disruptions that could undermine the government’s ongoing efforts.
“In this context, it has become essential to request the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress to reconsider its planned two-day warning strike, as such a move could have adverse consequences on the progress being made to secure a better future for Nigerian workers and the entire citizenry,” Lalong earnestly implored.
Meanwhile, the national leadership of the NLC has shunned the last-minute reconciliatory meeting convened by the Minister, with the purpose of averting the two-day warning strike already declared by the labour centre.
The PUNCH reports that only the leadership of the Trade Union Congress by its President, Festus Osifo, showed up for the meeting slated for 3pm but started at exactly 5:32pm.
A member of the NLC national leadership told our correspondent that the decision of the NLC to boycott the meeting was because ongoing negotiations could stall a possible strike.
“The strike will still go on. If the leadership had attended the meeting, move to go on strike would have been stalled. It would have amounted to a form of negotiation.”
Nigerians groan
The NLC’s nationwide strike call has unquestionably struck a chord with numerous Nigerians who are enduring economic challenges.
The extensive backing from unions, civil society, and the general populace highlights the increasing dissatisfaction with government policies that are seen as exacerbating the struggles of everyday citizens.
In the days ahead, all attention will be focused on the unfolding interplay of protests and appeals, both on the streets and within the corridors of power, which will shape the nation’s response to its ongoing economic difficulties.
