Banks in Nigeria have issued a notice to embark on a two-day nationwide strike.

The banks said financial services would be withdrawn on September 5 and 6, 2023.

The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees gave the directive in a memo dated September 2, 2023, signed by the union’s General Secretary, Mohammed I. Sheikh.

The statement said the directive complied with the strike notice issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress on August 31. 

NUBIFIE accused the federal government of meddling in the affairs of trade unions rather than focusing on fixing the economy.

“In line with the communique issued after the meeting of National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held on Thursday 31st August 2023 that all affiliates should direct all its members to commence two days’ withdrawal of services from Tuesday & Wednesday the 5th & 6th September, 2023,” the NUBIFIE strike notice said.

The directive added, “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.”