A complete shutdown threatens across Nigeria as the NLC and TUC call for an indefinite strike

Nigeria’s two main trade unions have announced a complete, indefinite strike across the country from Monday.

Trade unions NLC and TUC made the statement at a press conference in Abuja. Many other unions, such as doctors, university lecturers, airport workers and energy workers, belong to or are affiliated with the NLC or TUC and are also expected to join the strike.

The strike is intended to force the government to agree to, among others: new minimum wage for employees, and will also review the increase in electricity prices for some consumers.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the NLC and TUC have been in negotiations with the Federal Government over a new minimum wage since the government’s policy announced by President Bola Tinubu last year led to an astronomical increase in the cost of goods and services.

However, the negotiations have stalled as the parties have failed to agree on an adequate minimum wage compared to the current minimum wage of N30,000.

“In light of this persistent passivity, we, the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) hereby announce a notice of commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike to the Federal Government,” Festus Osifo, President of the TUC, said on Friday.

“We reiterate that as negotiations on the national minimum wage have not been completed and the agreed wage has entered into force; the electricity tariff increase was not reversed and the categorization of consumers into bands was not completed as requested; “These failures force Nigerian workers to embark on indefinite nationwide industrial action starting on Monday, June 3, 2024, to reaffirm our demands.”

Background

In May 2023, President Tinubu announced the abolition of petrol subsidies, which has caused hardship for many Nigerians due to the concomitant increase in prices of goods and services.

Apart from removing fuel subsidy, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has also harmonized all segments of the foreign exchange (FX) market to enhance market transparency and investor confidence.

While this policy was widely welcomed in some quarters, in the face of increased prices it came with pressure on the local currency and producers.

Despite the introduction of various palliative measures by the Federal Government to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidies and similar economic shocks, many Nigerians continue to suffer from the rising prices of petrol, food and other essential commodities.

This has led to increased transport costs and significant lifestyle changes for both civil servants and business owners.