Following the sudden removal of fuel subsidy by the Nigerian government, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a notice instructing its members to halt their services nationwide. Acting General Secretary Dominic Igwebike signed the notice, urging NUEE members to adhere to the directive and initiate the work stoppage starting from the early hours of Wednesday.

President Bola Tinubu, in his inaugural address on Monday, made an announcement declaring the end of the petroleum subsidy regime, citing its unsustainability.

Following this announcement, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) issued a directive to its outlets, instructing them to sell fuel at significantly increased prices ranging from N480 to N570 per litre. This represents a nearly 200 percent surge from the previous price, which was below N200.

In response to these developments, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) declared its intention on Friday to organize a nationwide protest on the following Wednesday if the NNPCL did not revert to the previous price regime in the oil sector. The Nigerian Union of Journalists also threatened to participate in the strike action.

In a letter sent to its members on Sunday, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) explained that its decision to instruct a work stoppage was a result of the NLC’s emergency national executive council (NEC) meeting, which took place on June 2 at the Labour House in Abuja. The meeting aimed to address the sudden removal of fuel subsidy, which was causing significant hardships for Nigerians and contributing to increased inflation in the economy.

The statement from the NUEE directed all national, state, and chapter executives to mobilize their members and fully comply with the directive. The withdrawal of services nationwide is set to commence from 00.00 hours on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

“To this effect, all National, State and Chapter executives are requested to start the mobilisation of our members in total compliance with this directive,” the statement said.

“Please note that withdrawal of Services nationwide commences from 0.00 hours of Wednesday, June 7, 2023,” the statement reads in part.