ASUU Joins NLC Nationwide Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has joined the ongoing strike by the organised labour comprising Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

In a statement addressed to the branch chairpersons and zonal coordinators of ASUU on Monday, the association’s President, Emmanuel Osodeke, directed lecturers in universities across the country to join the strike as an affiliate of the congress.

The statement read, “The NLC has declared an indefinite strike action beginning from Monday, 3rd June 2024, as a result of the failure of Government to conclude the renegotiation of minimum wage for Nigerian workers and reversal of hike in electricity tariff.

“Our branches are hereby enjoined to join in the strike action as an affiliate member of Congress.

“Consequently, branch chairpersons are to mobilise all members to participate in the strike action. Yours in the struggle.”

Nigeria’s labour unions on Monday commenced a nationwide strike amid uncertainties.

The nationwide strike was declared by the unions to compel the government to agree on a new minimum wage for workers and review the increase in the price of electricity for some consumers.

On Sunday, a meeting between representatives of the federal government, leadership of the National Assembly, and officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the proposed national minimum wage ended in deadlock.

The meeting which began around 5:50 p.m. and ended at 8:45 p.m. held behind closed doors at the National Assembly complex, Abuja.

Earlier on Friday, the NLC and the TUC declared a total indefinite strike.

The unions expect numerous other workers’ unions, including those of doctors, university lecturers, airport workers, and electricity workers to join in.

In a notice issued on Saturday regarding the indefinite nationwide strike, the General Secretary of NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja, urged all affiliated bodies to mobilise their members for full compliance with the industrial action directive.

Mr Ugboaja emphasised the importance of ensuring a comprehensive closure of all workplaces, noting that the success of the strike hinged on the collective determination and resolve of their members