SAT, SEPT 30 2023-theGBJournal | The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is among some of the most powerful unions to have so far issued notice of strike to members ahead of the planned nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), beginning 3rd October, 2023.
Other notable unions include the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
All of the union’s leadership are encouraging their members to work with the leadership of the State Executive Council (SEC) of the Congress in their various states with a view to having a successful strike action.
The leadership of the NUEE in their statement to members urged total withdrawal of services and full participation in street protests and rallies until the Federal Government responds to their demands.
NUPENG leadership said in their statement that they find it ”so disturbing and unfortunate, that the Federal Government and other tiers of government are so insensitive to the excruciating and debilitating socio/economic pains Nigerians are passing through as a result of very harsh and sudden economic policies taken by this administration without any accompanying socio/economic policies to ameliorate and cushion the immediate effects and impacts those difficult and harsh policies are having on the citizenry.”
The unions say they are even more worried by the ”apparent lack of regards and respect to cries and yearnings of the Organised Labour, Civil Society Organisations and the general public by this administration (Tinubu administration) is arrogantly taking the goodwill and tolerance level of the workers and Nigerians in general for granted. this arrogance is demonstrated clearly and loudly by the ways and manners meetings with organized Labour and outcomes of such meetings are taking with levity and disrespect.”
Meanwhile, the leadership of the NLC/TUC did not attend the meeting called by the Federal Government to find ways to avert the looming strike.
The failed meeting has raised apprehension countrywide of scarcity of petrol, electricity blackout as well as food scarcity as transport unions across the country signify their intention also to join the strike which is anticipated to be brutal if President Bola Tinubu administration does not step in, and find solution.
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