The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ and electricity workers, under the aegis of National Union of Electricity Employees, are among over 33 trade Unions, that will be part of the nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, over the removal of fuel subsidy.
President Bola Tinubu, had in his inaugural speech on May 29, in Abuja, said “fuel subsidy is gone”.
His pronouncement led to long queues at filling stations across the country.
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, later adjusted the price of petrol from N195 per litre to over N500 per litre.
The NLC rejected the removal of fuel subsidy, saying workers in the country will embark on a nationwide strike and protests across the country on Wednesday, June 7.
The NUJ, in a statement signed by its National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, at an emergency Central Working Committee meeting of the Union held at the weekend, discussed issues surrounding the decision of the Federal Government to remove fuel subsidy and the position taken by the NLC.
“CWC reiterates the argument that although the removal of fuel subsidy will free allocations which can be channeled to the provisions of infrastructure and creation of additional jobs, the sudden removal could however lead to social unrest and protests as people may perceive government as being insensitive to their plight
“CWC also notes that already there is an astronomical increase in the prices of petroleum products and high inflation which have drastically reduced the purchasing power of citizens
“Accordingly, CWC directs all State Councils of the Union to mobilize members to withdraw their services and commence protests nationwide from Wednesday next week, 7th June, 2023, if the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) refuses to reverse the new price regime in the Oil sector” NUJ Stated.
The electricity workers, under the aegis of NUEE, in a circular titled ‘Mobilization for Nationwide Withdrawal of Services” and signed by Dominic Igwebike to SAG’s, AGS’s, Vice Presidents, Zonal Organizing Secretaries, State/Administrative Councils, Chapter Secretaries and all NUEE members, directed that all electricty workers should be part of the NLC strike.
The Circular reads:
“Sequel to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on June 2, 2023 at the Labour House, Abuja, over the sudden removal of fuel subsidy which has brought untold hardship to Nigerians as well as increased inflation in the economy, the NLC has directed that the nationwide withdrawal of Services action will commence on Wednesday, June 7, 2023
“To that effect, all National, State and Chapter executives are requested to start mobilization of our members in total compliance of the directive.
“Please note that withdrawal of Services nationwide commences from 0.00 hours of Wednesday, June 7, 2023
“You are encouraged to work with the leadership of State Executive Councils (SEC) of the Congress in your various states with a view to having a successful action
“Please ensure total compliance