The Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress, Tommy Etim, emphasized that the planned strike would proceed as scheduled, stating that Nigerian workers were deeply frustrated with the Federal Government. He stressed that the government had ample time to address their demands but failed to act, and only meeting all their demands would avert the strike.
He further added that the strike would not just be a total shutdown but “the mother of all strikes,” warning that it coincided with reports of a plan to lay off 17,000 workers.
Moreover, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have pledged to join the indefinite strike, possibly leading to fuel scarcity and nationwide power outages. Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives will also participate, affecting health services in government facilities.
Additionally, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria declared that it would join the strike, aligning itself with the demands of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The Labour Party expressed its support for the strike, citing the insensitivity of the government to the plight of Nigerian workers. They argued that the government’s apparent indifference to workers’ demands was unjust, considering the sacrifices made during the election.
Festus Osifo, the National President of the TUC, called on the government to account for the funds saved from the removal of the fuel subsidy, noting that since over a trillion naira had been saved, there should be no need for further borrowing.
Despite the potential impact of the strike on essential services, it appears that the labour unions are resolute in their stance until the government addresses their demands.
