ASUU strike: Nigeria may experience blackout today as electricity workers join NLC nationwide protest

By Uthman Salami

Following the Nigerian Labour Congress’ decision to embark on nationwide protest in solidarity with the Academic Union of University (ASUU), Nigeria may witness another round of blackouts beginning today as the Electricity workers Union have resolved to join the protest.

Recall that the electricity grid collapsed — for the seventh time in 2022 — affecting businesses and livelihoods of several Nigerians.

The union under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), affirmed their resolution to join the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in its solidarity protest over the lingering Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.NLC had directed workers to embark on a nationwide protest on July 26 and 27 in solidarity with the strike by ASUU.

Aviation workers, insurance and financial institution employees, and others have also promised to join the industrial action.

Joe Ajaero, general secretary, NUEE, in a letter dated July 22, directed all its members to participate in the protest over the prolonged closure of tertiary institutions.

In line with the NLC’s directive and our position, which was made known at the Central Working Committee and National Executive Council meeting of Congress,” the letter reads.

“All members of the union are enjoined to massively mobilise and actively participate in the NLC/ASUU solidarity protest against the continued closure of the nation’s tertiary institutions, scheduled for July 26/27, 2022.

“You are encouraged to work with the leadership of State Executive Councils of the congress in your various states with a view of having a successful outing. Aluta Continua!”