AFRICA (Commonwealth Union)_ The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) will begin a nationwide strike on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, in protest of the country’s high level of living, which they blame on the elimination of the petrol subsidy. This strike might bring Nigeria’s economy to its knees. Last Monday, the labour union gave the Nigerian government a strike warning. The talks are still going on.
significant industries joining the strike
Lack of air, land, and sea transit has historically been a hallmark of labour strikes in the nation, but feelers from the NLC suggest that the strike would be permanent this time.
A Vanguard article claims that 52 additional NLC affiliates and crucial economic sectors have strengthened their preparations and rallied their members in advance of the two-day warning strike. Analysts predict that if the strike occurs, the Nigerian economy will suffer massive losses. The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which regulates petrol distribution, is one of the crucial unions that are seen to be the heart of the economy.
Other organisations that govern junior employees in the financial sector include the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN), and the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE). Other unions in the manufacturing sector include the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAN), the National Association of Air Pilots and Engineers (NAPE), the National Union of Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), and the National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather, and Non-Metalic Products Employees (NUCFRANMPE). Unions affirm NLC circular and pledge to participate in strike Several of the unions have admitted getting circulars from the NLC about the strike. Some others stated that they would officially notify their members on Monday, September 4, 2023. The maritime workers’ union acknowledged receiving the NLC circular and pledged to follow the organisation’s rules under the leadership of Joe Ajaero. Other unions in the crucial economic sectors expressed a willingness to participate in the warning strike.
