**Date:** September 5, 2023
*Nigeria:*
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed its intention to conduct a two-day nationwide warning strike to protest the removal of fuel subsidies by the Federal Government, a decision that has led to severe economic hardships in the country.
Support for the strike has grown among key stakeholders, including the banking sector, civil society organizations, and workers’ unions, all uniting to address the worsening economic crisis in Nigeria.
The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE), representing workers in the banking and insurance industry, has vowed to participate in the strike, effectively shutting down financial activities across Nigeria.
NUBIFIE’s General Secretary, Mr. Mohammed Sheikh, emphasized the importance of their participation in the NLC’s two-day warning strike, citing the need to draw the government’s attention to the dire economic situation faced by Nigerians.
The leadership of NUBIFIE issued a notice that all banks would be closed on Tuesday, September 5, and Wednesday, September 6, 2023, in accordance with the NLC’s directive.
In a statement, Sheikh said, “The directives are imperative to get the needed attention of the government and to warn it against interfering in the internal affairs of unions instead of addressing the punishing economic circumstances we find ourselves in.”
The United Action Front of Civil Society has also expressed full support for the NLC’s two-day warning strike. The organization voiced outrage over the hardship inflicted on Nigerians by the government’s decision to remove fuel subsidies and raise the price of premium motor spirit.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has backed the NLC in its two-day warning strike, directing all its affiliates to participate in the nationwide strike.
State chapters of labor unions across Nigeria are also preparing for the strike, as they accuse the government of insensitivity to the plight of workers and citizens.
As the strike’s commencement nears, the Federal Government has appealed to organized labor to reconsider the strike. The government highlighted measures taken to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal and urged labor leaders to avoid disruptions that could jeopardize ongoing efforts.
The NLC’s decision to boycott a reconciliatory meeting convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment suggests that the strike will proceed as planned.
The widespread support for the strike underscores the mounting frustration with government policies perceived as worsening the plight of ordinary citizens in Nigeria. The coming days will determine how this protest and appeal will unfold, shaping the nation’s response to its ongoing economic challenges.
