Banks in Nigeria have announced plans to join the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to embark on a two-day nationwide strike, which will commence on Tuesday, Sept 5th, 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.
In a statement by NUBIFIE, they accused the federal government of Nigeria, of undue interference in trade unions’ affairs, diverting attention away from addressing the nation’s pressing economic challenges.
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Part of the statement reads,
“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.
“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”.
Reports reveal that during the nationwide strike, financial services will be Withdrawn, while digital channels will remain accessible during the 48-hour industrial action.
Nigerians are therefore advised to withdraw enough cash, to avoid being totally stranded during the duration of the strike action.
Aside from financial institutions, telco staff, and electricity workers have also announced their compliance with the NLC strike notice.
However, in a bid to prevent the proposed strike action by the NLC, the federal government fixed a peace meeting with the leadership of the two labor unions, NLC and TUC, in Abuja on Monday.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, said the government has already taken steps to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies which are being implemented by the three tiers of government.
Lalong noted that ministers had just been sworn in by the new administration, adding that most of them were still receiving briefings from their various departments.
On the progress so far made by the government to address the demands of labor, he said the president has approved several measures to help cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.
According to him, palliative measures are already being handled and implemented, beginning with the state and local governments.
