Banks Go on Strike for Two Days in Protest Against Government Interference Starting on Tuesday

The banking sector in Nigeria will be paralyzed for two days as the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees (NUBIFIE) has called for a nationwide strike on September 5 and 6, 2023.

The union said the strike was in solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which had issued a similar notice on August 31.

The NUBIFIE said the strike was aimed at drawing the government’s attention to the plight of workers and trade unions, which have been subjected to undue interference and harassment by the authorities. The union accused the federal government of neglecting the economy and meddling in the internal affairs of unions.

The NUBIFIE’s General Secretary, Mohammed I. Sheikh, issued a memo on September 2, 2023, directing all its members to withdraw their services for two days.

The memo said the strike was in line with the communique issued by the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) after its meeting on August 31.

The memo read in part: “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 we find ourselves.

“We hereby direct all our organs to comply with this directive by ensuring all our members stay off duty for the two days. Your cooperation in this regard will be appreciated.”

The strike will affect all financial services in Nigeria, including banking, insurance, and pension operations. Customers are advised to make alternative arrangements for their transactions during the strike period.

The NUBIFIE is one of the largest trade unions in Nigeria, representing over 100,000 workers in the financial sector. The union has been at loggerheads with the government over issues such as minimum wage, job security, and workers’ welfare.

The strike is expected to have a significant impact on the Nigerian economy. Banks will be closed and financial transactions will be disrupted. The strike could also lead to job losses and economic hardship for businesses and consumers.

The government has not yet responded to the strike notice. However, it is likely to try to avoid a strike, as it would be a major embarrassment for the government

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