ASUU, Banks and others join NLC in the 2-day warning strike

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may join the two-day strike called for by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Indications made by Businessday, shows that some ASUU branches, like the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), are taking part, maintaining the fact that the union is a part of the NLC. The University of Port Harcourt, is also joining the strike, along with the Federal University Otuoke in Bayelsa State.

Branches such as the University of Lagos, have made a choice not to be part of the strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) initiated a nationwide two-day warning strike in response to the severe economic hardships following the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidies. This move has garnered significant support from various quarters, including the banking sector, civil society organizations, and workers’ unions, all joining forces to address the growing economic crisis in the country.

In solidarity, NUBIFIE announced that all banks will remain closed on Tuesday, 5th, and Wednesday, 6th September 2023, aligning with the NLC’s two-day strike directive. Aboderin Olusola, the Senior Deputy General Secretary of NUBIFIE, reiterated their commitment to the NLC’s cause, highlighting the necessity of unity among industrial unions during these challenging times.

United Action Front of Civil Society also declared support for the strike by NLC, to protest against hardship in the country. In a statement signed by Head, National Coordinating Centre, United Action Front of Civil Society, Wale Okunniyi where he said concerning the Tinubu administration “We make bold to challenge the Tinubu government to demand accountability for the fraudulent fuel subsidy payments and wasteful debt servicing policy of the preceding Buhari administration, if it genuinely wishes to be taken seriously by Nigerians.”

Meanwhile, due to the planned NLC strike, the ad-hoc committee investigating job racketeering in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), yesterday, adjourned sitting to Thursday, September 7.

The committee was mandated to investigate the alleged mismanagement of personnel recruitment, employment racketeering and gross mismanagement of the IPPIS.

Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC-Plateau), upon resumption of the hearing, explained that the hearing was postponed to enable all the MDAs invited to make their presentations.