Power sector workers join NLC protest

The Federal Government must comply with the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASSU), and organized labour is committed to making that happen.

On February 14, the organization began a strike that resulted in the closure of more than 80 public tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

On July 26 and 27, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will launch a national protest in solidarity with ASSU.

The planned demonstrations, however, have been deemed "uncalled for and illegal" by the authorities.

Lai Mohammed, the minister of information, argued that it was past due to investigate the labour movement's actions.

“The NLC is not a political party. If the rights of NLC members are at stake, the NLC has the right to strike or demonstrate.

"The NLC is focusing on interest in what it is planning for the two days. There is no conflict between the NLC as an organization and the federal government, he claimed.

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE)-affiliated power sector employees announced over the weekend that they will be joining the NLC.

The decision was announced in a memo with the reference NUEE/NS/2022/008 by General Secretary Joe Ajaero following a meeting of the central working committee and national working committee.

"Massively mobilize and actively engage in the NLC/ASUU solidarity protest," was the order given to all members.

Vice presidents, state/administrative council members, and chapter secretaries were urged by Ajaero to work with state executive council leaders to ensure "a successful outing."

Vice presidents, state/administrative council members, and chapter secretaries were urged by Ajaero to work with state executive council leaders to ensure "a successful outing."

ASUU, led by Professor Victor Osodeke, is displeased with the underfunding of institutions and the carelessness with which Earned Academic Allowance is paid (EAA).

Using the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and not implementing the Universities Transparency and Accountability Solution are two more examples (UTAS).

On July 15, the ASUU strike entered its sixth month, and hundreds of undergraduate students are waiting for word on when classes will resume.

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