Trade Union Congress (TUC) has joined Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in threatening to shut down activities in the country on September 28 if federal government refuses to reverse the recent hike in petrol price and electricity tariff.

The decision came as the national executive council of NLC agreed with the decision of its central working committee to stage a nationwide protest on September 28.

NLC said it has finalised its plan to stage the nationwide rally to protest the increase in the prices of petrol and electricity tariff.

TUC had issued a seven-day ultimatum, resolving to embark on a strike on September 23 if federal government fails to meet its demands on the increases. However, a statement issued on Tuesday night said its ultimatum has been shifted to the midnight of September 28.

The statement signed by TUC president, Mr Quadri Olaleye, and its secretary-general, Mr Musa-Lawal Ozigi, called on the international community to place a “visa ban on all corrupt Nigerian politicians who have looted the country and people of its resources.”

“Trade Union Congress of Nigeria after an exhaustive meeting held to review its mobilisation strategies on the forthcoming strike to protest fuel hike and electricity tariff resolved that the congress is going to work in collaboration with its sister Labour Centre, Nigeria Labour Congress and civil society allies to execute the strike,” he said.

According to the president, consequent upon this, the ultimatum which should have expired by midnight of September 22 has been shifted to September 28 for “maximum effect.”

He appealed to Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, to bear with the labour union while the industrial action lasts.

“You will recall that this government during its electioneering campaigns in 2014 told the world there is nothing like subsidy. We were told that they will build refineries, all that are history now. We run a mono-economy and any hike in fuel automatically will have an adverse effect on us yet successive governments tow that path because they are not creative,” he said.

PT