By John Ikani
Banks in Nigeria are set to stage a nationwide strike, spanning two days, on September 5 and 6, 2023.
The directive for this action was issued by the National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institution Employees (NUBIFIE) in a memo dated September 2, 2023, signed by the union’s General Secretary, Mohammed I. Sheikh.
The decision by the banks aligns with the strike notice issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on August 31, as explicitly mentioned in the NUBIFIE strike notice.
The NUBIFIE statement went on to accuse the federal government of undue interference in trade unions’ affairs, diverting attention away from addressing the nation’s pressing economic challenges.
“In line with the communique issued after the meeting of National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held on Thursday 31st August 2023, all affiliates should direct all its members to commence two days’ withdrawal of services from Tuesday & Wednesday the 5th & 6th September 2023,” reads the NUBIFIE directive.
Furthermore, the directive expressed the union’s concern over the federal government’s interference in trade union matters, rather than concentrating on resolving the economic challenges facing the nation.
“The directive is imperative to get the needed attention of the government and warn it of its newfound love of meddling in the internal affairs of unions rather than address the punishing economic circumstances in which we find ourselves. We hereby direct all our organs to comply with this directive by ensuring all our members stay off duty for the two days. Your cooperation in this regard will be appreciated,” the statement concludes.
