The unexpected elimination of fuel subsidies by the Nigerian government has prompted the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) to issue a statewide directive ordering its members to withdraw their service.
The NUEE adviced its members to follow the order and stop working starting in the early hours of Wednesday in a notice that was signed by Dominic Igwebike, the organization’s acting general secretary.
Recall, following the declaration of President Bola Tinubu that there would no longer be a petroleum subsidy regime, the NNPCL on Wednesday directed its outlets nationwide to sell fuel between N480 and N570 per litre, an almost 200 per cent increase from the initial price.
In response to the development, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) declared on Friday that if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) does not change the new price regime in the oil sector, it will embark on nationwide strike
In a letter sent out on Sunday, the NUEE explained that its decision was a result of the NLC emergency national executive council (NEC) meeting that was held on June 2 at the Labour House in Abuja which is in response to the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy, that had caused untold hardship for Nigerians and increased inflation in the economy.
The letter reads, “To this effect, all National, State and Chapter executives are requested to start the mobilisation of our members in total compliance with this directive.
“Please note that withdrawal of Services nationwide commences from 0.00 hours of Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
“You are encouraged to work with the leadership of State Executive Councils (SEC) of the Congress in your various states with a view to having a successful action.”