By John Ikani
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a nationwide directive for its members to withdraw their services in response to the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies by the Nigerian government.
The NUEE, represented by its acting general secretary, Dominic Igwebike, has called on its members to comply with the directive and cease work starting from the early hours of Wednesday.
President Bola Tinubu, during his inaugural address, declared the end of the petroleum subsidy regime, citing its lack of sustainability.
However, this announcement has sparked outrage and led to severe consequences for the Nigerian population.
In response to the government’s decision, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has instructed its outlets across the country to sell fuel at a significantly increased price range of N480 to N570 per litre, a staggering 200% surge compared to the previous cost of below N200.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), voicing its dissatisfaction with the new price regime in the oil sector, has announced plans for a nationwide protest scheduled for next Wednesday.
The NLC has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to reverse the price increase; otherwise, they will proceed with their protest.
The Nigerian Union of Journalists has also expressed their support for the strike action and threatened to join the nationwide protest on Wednesday.
In a letter addressed to its members on Sunday, the NUEE justified its decision to embark on the strike, referencing the emergency national executive council (NEC) meeting held on 2nd June at the Labour House in Abuja.
The meeting focused on the detrimental effects of the sudden removal of fuel subsidies, which the NUEE argues has resulted in significant hardships for Nigerians and exacerbated inflation in the economy.
