The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sent a letter to its 43 affiliate unions, urging them to prepare for an imminent nationwide strike starting on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
The NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, signed the letter, instructing all national leaderships to mobilize their members and ensure full compliance with the directives. The strike is a response to the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel.
Among the affiliates supporting the strike are prominent unions such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, and National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, among others.
The NLC's decision to embark on the nationwide action stems from the fraudulent increase in fuel prices across all thirty-six states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. The strike aims to withdraw services in both the public and private sectors.
President Tinubu's announcement during his inaugural speech that the era of fuel subsidy payment had ended sparked the current situation. Tinubu justified the removal of fuel subsidy in the 2023 budget, emphasizing that the funds would be redirected towards infrastructure and economic development.
However, this decision has faced opposition from the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, who argue that the President cannot unilaterally make such a decision without considering the impact on the citizens.
The President's declaration has led to widespread discontent, resulting in fuel queues forming across the country and citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with the sudden increase in petrol prices.
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