NLC Writes ASUU, JUSUN, others Ahead of National Strike

To prepare for a forthcoming industrial action that will begin on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sent notice to all 43 affiliated unions.

The strike happens when Premium Motor Spirit’s pump price increases. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Nigeria Union of Teachers (UNT), Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JSUN), and National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives are just a few of the organizations that are affiliated with the NLC.

The NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, signed a letter addressed to the affiliates for the Congress that read in part,

“we bring you greetings from the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress. You will recall that arising from the National Executive Council meeting held on 2nd June 2023, it was decided that Congress will embark on a nationwide action and withdrawal of services, against the fraudulent increase in the prices of fuel across the thirty six States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the FCT.

“Please be informed that the nationwide action will commence on Wednesday, 7th June 2023. To this effect, all National Leadership are expected to mobilise their members for the action and ensure full compliance with the directives as services in both the public and private sector are expected to be fully withdrawn by Wednesday 7th June 2023. All presidents and General Secretaries are expected to help ensure the implementation of the decisions of the National Executive Council” the NLC remarked.

President Bola Tinibu proclaimed that the age of gasoline subsidies has gone during his inaugural speech on Monday at Eagle Square in Abuja. Additionally, Tinibu stated that because gasoline subsidies were not included in the 2023 budget, further payment is no longer necessary.

Tinibu had stated that “the fuel subsidy is gone” and added that his administration would invest money in infrastructure and other ways to boost the economy. The president’s announcement immediately caused fuel lines to form again across the nation, as Nigerians bemoaned the significant increase in the price of gasoline at the numerous filling stations.

Although the NNPCL and the House of Representatives supported the Tinibu judgment, the NLC and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria have since opposed it.

The president cannot decide to end subsidies unilaterally, according to organized labor.