ASUU strike: Blackout looms as electricity workers join NLC solidarity protest

Electricity workers, under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), say they will 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.

Following the union’s decision, Nigeria may witness another round of blackouts beginning on Tuesday.

Last week, the country’s electricity grid collapsed — for the seventh time in 2022 — affecting businesses and livelihoods.