ASUU, banks, to embark on NLC’s two-day strike

There are indications that certain branches of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may join the two-day strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). According to reports from Businessday, some ASUU branches, including the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), are participating in the strike, arguing that ASUU is a part of the NLC. The University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) and the Federal University Otuoke in Bayelsa State are also joining the strike.

However, some ASUU branches, like the University of Lagos (UNILAG), have chosen not to participate and have expressed reluctance to be involved in the strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) initiated a nationwide two-day warning strike in response to the economic hardships caused by the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidies. This strike has gained support from various sectors, including the banking industry, civil society organizations, and workers’ unions, all coming together to address the country’s growing economic crisis.

NUBIFIE (National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions Employees) has announced that all banks will remain closed on Tuesday, September 5th, and Wednesday, September 6th, 2023, in alignment with the NLC’s two-day strike directive. Aboderin Olusola, the Senior Deputy General Secretary of NUBIFIE, emphasized their commitment to the NLC’s cause and the importance of unity among industrial unions during these challenging times.

Similarly, the United Action Front of Civil Society has expressed full support for the NLC’s two-day warning strike. Wale Okunniyi, the Head of the National Coordinating Centre for the United Action Front of Civil Society, condemned the hardships faced by Nigerians due to the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent increase in the price of premium motor spirit.

The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has also backed the NLC and directed all its affiliates to participate in the nationwide strike. Adewale Adeyanju, the MWUN President General, cited the government’s failure to engage with labor on the consequences of the petrol price hike as the reason for their support.

In various states of Nigeria, labor unions are making preparations for the strike action. In Abia State, the NLC has accused the state government of being indifferent to the challenges faced by workers and has called on affiliated unions to rally behind the national directive for the warning strike.

Likewise, organized labor in Kogi State has issued instructions for its members to take part in the two-day warning strike. The union has expressed solidarity with the widespread national sentiment of hardship and deprivation experienced by citizens.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong, has made an earlier appeal to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider its planned two-day warning strike, citing concerns that it would exacerbate the hardships faced by Nigerians.

He emphasized the government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal and stressed the importance of maintaining industrial harmony to prevent disruptions that could reverse the progress made in securing a better future for Nigerian workers and citizens in general.

Despite the Minister’s plea for a suspension of the strike, the NLC has decided to proceed with their planned strike, and their stance remains unchanged.