During a speech on Thursday, George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, strongly criticized the shutdown of Nigeria’s national power grid amidst a temporary industrial action by organized labour. He labeled the incident a severe criminal offense, emphasizing that no other labour movement worldwide had ever paralyzed a country’s power infrastructure.
The shutdown, initiated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s workers union on Monday, was part of a broader nationwide strike demanding a new minimum wage. This action plunged the entire nation into darkness.
Addressing the National Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Abuja, Akume stressed that President Bola Tinubu was diligently working to restore the nation, accusing the labour union of attempting to undermine these efforts. He stated, “It is unprecedented globally for labour to disrupt a national power grid. This act constitutes treason and economic sabotage, which is unacceptable. The President is striving to rejuvenate the economy, and such actions are counterproductive for all of us.”
Akume also highlighted the dire economic situation the current administration inherited, including depleted foreign reserves. He pointed out the significant reforms undertaken by President Tinubu, particularly the challenging yet necessary removal of fuel subsidies. He urged the public to understand and support these reforms, rather than criticize them, stressing the importance of confronting the reality of the situation.
