A nationwide power blackout is on the horizon following a strike declaration by the Nigeria Labour Congress over the crisis in the power sector.
After a National Executive Council meeting in Edo state on Wednesday, the NLC gave the Federal Government and management of PHCN a one-week ultimatum to conclude negotiations with unions or face a nationwide blackout.
NLC president, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, said the NLC will proceed with the strike if no deal is reached. PHCN workers are kicking against the privatization of Nigeria’s failing power sector and have vowed to fight against it.
They also spoke out against the military takeover of PHCN installations, as ordered by the FG. The NEC is in total agreement, Omar said, advising unions to launch into action if PHCN management and the FG fail to come to some compromise.
On the pension matter, the congress reiterated its earlier position that the New Pension Act did not abolish gratuity, saying that the 25 per cent contribution by the workers should be paid up to date.
“NEC holds the view that there cannot be retroactive contribution, hence if the PHCN management intends to migrate to the new pension policy, they should go into agreement with the unions and agree on the commencement date to start the contribution,” he said.
