Nigeria’s National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has called for a nationwide strike in response to the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies by the Nigerian government. In a notice signed by the acting general secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the NUEE has instructed its members to cease their services starting from the early hours of Wednesday.
During his inaugural address at Eagle Square, Abuja, President Bola Tinubu declared the end of the petroleum subsidy regime, citing its unsustainable nature. Subsequently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced a significant price hike, with fuel now being sold between N480 and N570 per litre, representing an almost 200 percent increase from the previous price of less than N200.
In response to this development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to hold a nationwide protest the following Wednesday if the NNPCL does not revert to the previous price regime. The Nigerian Union of Journalists has also threatened to join the strike action.
The NUEE, in a letter to its members, explained that their decision to strike was in line with the NLC’s emergency national executive council (NEC) meeting, where the removal of fuel subsidies was discussed. The union emphasized the hardship experienced by Nigerians and the subsequent increase in inflation as a result.
“To comply with this directive, all National, State, and Chapter executives are requested to mobilize our members,” the statement read. The withdrawal of services nationwide will commence at 0:00 hours on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
The letter further encouraged members to collaborate with the leadership of State Executive Councils (SEC) of the Congress in their respective states to ensure a successful action.
Source: Premium Times
