Tension in Nigeria as Labor Union Threatens to Shut Down National Grid
Nigeria is bracing itself for a potential economic crisis as labor union workers in the telecommunications and electricity sectors threaten to shut down the National grid and telecom services at midnight on Wednesday. The threat is directed at the Nigeria Police Force if the President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, is arrested.
This move comes after the police summoned Ajaero for questioning on Tuesday, over alleged links to terrorism financing and other allegations. Ajaero turned down the invitation, citing it as coming too late. However, he has scheduled an appointment with the police for August 29.
In response to the police summons, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the National Union of Postal and Telecommunications Employees (NUPTE) have vowed to down tools if Ajaero is arrested. A notice to members stated that any arrest of the NLC President or another labour leader would prompt a complete shutdown of services from 12 midnight on August 21.
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero and NUEE General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike.
(Source: Getty Images)
Similarly, NUPTE workers in the postal and telecoms sector have followed the direction of NUEE, warning of a shutdown of their services if Ajaero is arrested.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has vowed to embark on a nationwide strike if Ajaero is arrested. The shutdown of the National grid and telecom services has the potential to devastate the economy, as electricity and telecoms are critical sectors.
Recall that in June, a similar standoff led to a blackout that saw the National grid shut down, leaving the country without power. The threat of another blackout looms large if the NLC’s demands are not met.
