Nigerian Labour Unions Declare Indefinite Strike Over Minimum Wage Dispute

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced an indefinite strike starting today, Monday, following a disagreement with the government over a new minimum wage. The unions had warned of a strike on Friday if their grievances were not addressed.

The labour unions rejected the government’s proposed minimum wage of 60,000 Naira and demanded an increase, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The government’s failure to attend a meeting on Friday to discuss the issue angered the unions.

On Monday morning, workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), joined the ongoing strike and blocked the entrance to the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja, located on No. 1 Kapital Road, Area 11, Garki.

The workers while acting on the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), used vehicles to block the gates, preventing access to the premises, which also houses the offices of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

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In addition to the minimum wage dispute, the unions are also demanding a reversal of the recent electricity tariff hike, which saw rates more than double for some consumers in April. The government’s decision to increase electricity tariffs is part of its efforts to cut costs as the country faces declining revenue due to dwindling investments and chronic oil theft.

The strike is expected to have significant impacts on the country’s economy and daily life, as the labour unions represent a large portion of the workforce. The government’s decision to cut costs and increase revenue has been met with resistance from the unions, who argue that it will disproportionately affect workers and the general population.

The indefinite strike is a last resort for the labour unions, who have been negotiating with the government for months. The strike is expected to continue until the government meets the unions’ demands.