The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliates in Kaduna have ordered the total shutdown of essential services in a week-long warning strike set to commence from Monday, May 17.

NLC had earlier announced plans to go on  a protest against the mass disengagement of some workers from service by the Kaduna government without following the due process of disengagement.

In response to the NLC’s order, The National Union of Electricity Workers ordered their workers to ensure a total blackout in Kaduna, in a statement signed by the General Secretary, Joe Ajaero.

“In line with NLC directives on shut down of activities in Kaduna, you are hereby directed to ensure TOTAL BLACK OUT in Kaduna by 00 hours on Saturday 15th May, 2021,” the statement read, “You should liaise with other States or Regions through which Kaduna could be back fed to ensure that there is no supply to Kaduna.

Mr Ajaero also warned that any of its members who fails to comply with the strike action would face sanctions.

“Any Station or Officer whose unit is found wanting, the Chapter or State Council will be sanctioned for anti-union activities,” Mr Ajaero warned.

Similarly, the National Union of Banks, Insurance & Financial Institutions Employees also ordered the closure of banking and insurance services.

“In compliance with the directives of the congress to withdraw banking and insurance services in response to the continuous anti-worker policies by the Kaduna state government led by Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i, you are hereby directed to close all banking, insurance and financial institutions from Sunday 16th May, 2021,” the body said.

Similarly, the National Union of Food Beverage & Tobacco Employees have also complied In consonance with the directives of NLC.

Also, aviation workers will on Sunday shut down flight operations at the Kaduna Airport in solidarity with other unions, such as the National Union Of Air Transport Employees, Association Of Nigeria Aviation Professionals and National Association Of Aircraft Pilots And Engineers.

Other unions, including railway workers, local government employees and teachers, will not resume work on Monday.

However, the Kaduna State Government said it could not be blackmailed by organised labour saying it took its action based on prevailing economic realities. It warned that a warrant of arrest issued against the NLC President Ayuba Wabba still subsists.

Mr Wabba is expected to be in Kaduna on Monday to monitor compliance with the strike.