The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has instructed its members to join the indefinite nationwide strike starting Monday, following directives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
NUPENG General Secretary, Mr. Afolabi Olawale, confirmed on Saturday that the union is fully committed to ensuring complete compliance with the strike order.
The NLC and TUC called for the strike in response to the federal government’s failure to agree on a new minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
In a joint statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo expressed their frustration over the tripartite committee’s inability to finalize a new minimum wage. They also criticized the government’s insensitive economic policies that have worsened the plight of Nigerian workers.
Olawale emphasized the union’s concern over the federal government’s handling of the minimum wage negotiations. “This is in view of the various socio- economic policies of this administration that have impoverished the working people of this country.
“Leaders of our great union at all levels, from the units, zones and branches, should immediately put all processes in place to ensure total compliance with this directive.”
Similarly, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has also begun mobilizing its members for the strike. Acting General Secretary, Mr. Dominic Igwebike, directed members to prepare for the action, citing unresolved issues including the minimum wage negotiations, electricity tariff hike, and the apartheid categorization of electricity consumers into bands.
“Given the above, all national, state, and chapter executives are requested to start the mobilisation of our members in total compliance with this directive to ensure the government does the right thing as stated above.
“The withdrawal of services becomes effective on Sunday 2nd June by 12.00 midnight, “ Igwebike said.
