By Sabiu Abdullahi
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has joined the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) indefinite strike that began today, October 1, 2023.
The NLC is protesting the high price of petroleum resulting from the removal of the fuel subsidy as well as other anti-labour policies by the government.
NUEE has directed its members to totally withdraw their services and participate in street protests and rallies until the government responds to the union’s demands.
The union’s demands include the reversal of the removal of the fuel subsidy, an increase in the minimum wage, improved working conditions for electricity workers, and the payment of all outstanding salaries and allowances.
The NUEE strike is expected to have a significant impact on the power sector, as it will lead to blackouts nationwide.
The union has apologised to the public for the inconvenience the strike will cause, but it has said that it is necessary to protect the interests of its members and the Nigerian people.
The government has appealed to the NLC and NUEE to call off the strike, but the unions have refused to back down.
The strike is expected to continue until the government meets the unions’ demands.