Nigerian Banks Including UBA, Access, Others Declare Two-Day Nationwide Strike, Gives Reasons

Nigerian banks, including the United Bank of Africa (UBA) and Access, have announced a nationwide strike on September 5 and 6, 2023, during which financial services will be unavailable.

On September 2, 2023, the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees (NUBIFIE) issued a directive signed by the union’s General Secretary, Mohammed I. Sheikh. The memo stated that the directive was in accordance with the strike notice given by the Nigeria Labour Congress on August 31. The memo was issued in compliance with the aforementioned notice. According to NUBIFIE, the federal government is neglecting the economy and instead interfering in trade union affairs. The notice read;

“In line with the communique issued after the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held on Thursday, August 31 2023, all affiliates should direct all its members to commence two days’ withdrawal of services from Tuesday & Wednesday the 5th & 6th September 2023. “The directives is imperative to get the needed attention of government and warn it of its newfound love of meddling in the internal affairs of unions rather than address the punishing economic circumstances in which we find ourselves. “We hereby direct all our organs to comply with this directive by ensuring all our members stay off duty for two days. Your cooperation in this regard will be appreciated.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Federal Government had expressed interest in resuming talks with organized labour to prevent the Nigeria Labor Congress from being scheduled to strike on Tuesday and Wednesday.

During an interview with the media on September 2, 2023, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, divulged that the government is taking steps to prevent an imminent strike. Government officials are set to meet with union leaders to resolve the situation peacefully and amicably. He said;

“Definitely, we are hoping the warning strike can be averted. They are still engaged in discussions and have started to understand each other’s position more. They will meet again on Monday, but the gaps are being closed. “You know the new minister just came in and has just begun to engage with the NLC. Going forward, you will see more expeditious engagement with the labour union. So far, tension has reduced but work is still in progress. By Monday, they will meet again and hopefully find an amicable resolution on the issue.”

The minister expressed conviction that the matter would be resolved before the 21-day strike scheduled to commence later in the month if the parties fail to reach an agreement.

He stated,

“This is why I said we are trying to find a common ground to avert the impending strike. Once this is achieved, the other one would have been taken care of.”