By Eniola Idris
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress, have concluded arrangements to begin a total strike from September 28 over the increase in fuel price and new electricity tariffs.
The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba said his union took the decision after a meeting of the National Executive Council attend by chairpersons from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the chairpersons have endorsed the industrial action to begin as planned and declared since September 15 when it gave government ultimatum.
He said the body rejected the 100 percent increase in electricity tariffs and full deregulation of petroleum prices.
He said, “Whereas, the entire sector (power) was sold at about N400bn, we are also surprised that government within the last four years injected N1.5tn over and above the amount that accrued from these important assets.”
Similarly, TUC in a statement signed by its President, Quadri Olaleye and Secretary-General, Musa-Lawal Ozigi said members will go on full strike on September 28 since the ultimatum issued to the government has expired.
He said the ultimatum has been extended to September 28 for maximum effect.
The group said: “TUC, after an exhaustive meeting held to review its mobilsation strategies on the forthcoming strike to protest fuel hike and electricity tariff increase, resolved that the Congress is going to work in collaboration with its sister Labour Centre, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Civil Society allies to execute the strike.
“Consequent upon this, the ultimatum which should expire by midnight of today September 22, 2020, has been shifted to September 28, 2020 for effective and maximum effect. We want to use this opportunity to call on Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector to bear with us while the industrial action lasts.
“There is no need for the pains we bear. It is a needless one. They ask us to tighten our belts while they loosen theirs. Services are not rendered yet we are compelled to pay estimated bills. You will recall that this government during its electioneering campaigns in 2014, told the world there is nothing like subsidy.
“We were told that they will build refineries, but all that are history now. We run a mono-economy and any hike in fuel automatically will have adverse effect on us, yet successive governments tow that path because they are not creative,” the group stated.
