Nigerian banks, including the United Bank of Africa (UBA) and Access Bank, among others, have announced a two-day nationwide strike, starting on September 5.
The strike decision follows a directive from the National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institution Employees.
The directive was conveyed in a memorandum dated September 2, 2023, and signed by the union’s General Secretary, Mohammed I. Sheikh, and it references a previous strike notice issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress on August 31.
In the notice, UBIFIE accused the federal government of meddling in union affairs instead of addressing economic issues and call on all member to comply with the order.
The notice read; “In line with the communique issued after the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held on Thursday, August 31 2023, all affiliates should direct all its members to commence two days’ withdrawal of services from Tuesday & Wednesday the 5th & 6th September 2023.
“The directives is imperative to get the needed attention of 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 two days. Your cooperation in this regard will be appreciated.”