In response to their declaration of an indefinite strike set to commence on October 3rd, 2023, the executives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have issued a directive to their affiliate unions to initiate mobilization efforts to realize their objectives.
Both labor centers jointly announced the indefinite strike on Tuesday, citing opposition to the Federal Government’s subsidy removal policy and its perceived failure to implement comprehensive relief measures for the most vulnerable citizens.
A memo circulated by the leadership of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) expressed deep concern and disappointment over the insensitivity exhibited by the federal government and other tiers of government.
NUPENG criticized the government for its apparent disregard for the severe socio-economic hardships experienced by Nigerians due to the abrupt and stringent economic policies implemented by the current administration.
NUPENG regretted that these policies were implemented without corresponding socio-economic measures to alleviate the immediate adverse effects on the populace.
“Consequent upon the joint resolution of the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress as the outcome of the joint National Executive Council meeting of the two Labour Federation, held on 25th September, 2O23, we wish to inform all our members in the formal and informal sectors of the Nigeria oil and gas industry and alert the general public that the rank and file members of our union are hereby directed to commence full mobilization and ensure unwavering compliance with the directive of the two labour centres to all affiliate unions to embark on a nationwide industrial action from midnight of 3rd October 2023, ” NUPENG intimated its members.
The Oil and Gas union equally berated the government over what it described as a total lack of respect and regard for organized labour and the Nigerian masses.
“It is in the light of the above, that NUPENG as a responsive and responsible affiliate Union of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), will fully comply with the resolution of the joint NEC meeting and we hereby direct the leaders in the four (4) Zonal Councils of our great Union to mobilize all our members in the formal and informal sectors to shut down services effective 3rd October, 2023.
“All NUPENG members, including the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Petrol Stations Workers (PSW), Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers (LPGAR) and all other allied workers in the value chain of petroleum products distribution must comply with this directive from midnight of Tuesday, 3rd October 2023.
“All Branches and Units of our Union are to take note and ensure full compliance by setting up Compliance and Monitoring Teams in all operational locations,” NUPENG emphasised