TUC, JAF… the groups that have declared interest in nationwide strike

Earlier in the week, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announced that protests and strike action will commence across the country on Monday over the federal government’s refusal to reverse prices of petrol and electricity tariff.

The NLC had earlier issued a two-week ultimatum to the federal government to reverse the increase in the price of petrol and electricity tariff.

The pump price of petrol was increased earlier in the month while a new electricity tariff was implemented around the same period.

While marketers are currently selling petrol between N158 and N162 per litre, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) increased electricity tariff from N30.23 to N62.33 per kwh.

Ayuba Wabba, NLC president, said the decision to implement the strike action was unanimously taken by the chairmen of the NLC in the 36 states and federal capital territory.

Also, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said it is joining the NLC in the protest. In a memo to state chapters on Thursday, the union directed all members not to go to work, but mobilise themselves for the nationwide strike

“We are pleased to inform you that the two labour centres, TUC  and NLC have jointly resolved to commence a national industrial action from Monday 28th September 2020,” Musa-Lawal Ozigi, TUC secretary-general wrote.

“All affiliates and state councils are hereby enjoined to make the national strike a success by engaging in the full mobilisation of their members. To this end, no one is expected to go to work, but rather to gather at an agreed place in Lagos, Abuja and all state capitals.”

Earlier in the day, the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) said its members would join the NLC in its strike.

The Joint Action Front (JAF) also confirmed that it will be joining the protest on Monday with all its members nationwide.

About 80 workers’ unions and civil society groups under the umbrella of Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB) had earlier said it would hold protests across the country over the hike in petrol price and electricity tariff.

Among the groups were United Action for Democracy, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, Journalists for Democratic Rights and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria.