Subsidy: Nationwide blackout looms as electricity workers join NLC’s planned strike

Electricity workers, under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), say they will join the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in its planned strike over the removal of petrol subsidy.

On Friday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a five-day ultimatum to the federal government to revert to the old price of petrol or face a nationwide protest.

Joe Ajaero, NLC president, said the federal government had until Wednesday to revert to the old price of N185.

Ajaero said the congress would mobilise its members across the country for a strike and mass protest.

Journalists have also promised to join the industrial action. 

The NUEE, in a notice signed by Dominic Igwebike, acting general secretary, urged its members to comply with the directive and stop work from the early hours of  Wednesday.

“Sequel to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on June 2, 2023 at the Labour house Abuja, over the sudden removal of fuel subsidy which has brought untold hardship to Nigerians as well as increased inflation in the economy, the NLC has directed that the nationwide withdrawal of Services action will commence on Wednesday, June 7, 2023,” the memo reads.

“To this effect, all National, State and Chapter executives are requested to start the mobilisation of our members in total compliance with this directive.

“Please note that withdrawal of Services nationwide commences from 0.00 hours of Wednesday, June 7, 2023.”

Following the union’s decision, Nigeria may witness another round of blackouts beginning on Wednesday.