Organized Labour Begins Indefinite Strike: Fuel, Health, Banks, Schools, Other Essential Services to Shut Down

As Nigeria braces for an indefinite strike beginning today, fuel distribution, health, banking, and other essential services are set to be disrupted. This strike, initiated by organized labour in response to the government’s failure to finalize a new national minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariffs, is expected to have far-reaching consequences across the nation.

Despite last-minute efforts by top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, the strike could not be averted. A marathon meeting with NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC counterpart Festus Osifo ended in a deadlock.

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued directives to its member organizations, including the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), to ensure full compliance. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also mobilized its affiliates, such as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), to participate.

The strike is a culmination of prolonged negotiations over a new minimum wage. The tripartite committee, set up by the government, failed to reach an agreement despite multiple meetings. Labour leaders, frustrated by the government’s refusal to offer more than N60,000, walked out of meetings three times. The old minimum wage of N30,000, signed into law in 2019, expired on April 18, 2024.

The TUC and NLC have called for a nationwide strike starting today, citing the government’s lack of seriousness in addressing their demands. Senior staff associations and unions across various sectors, including teachers, medical and health workers, judiciary staff, and railway workers, have expressed their commitment to the strike.

However, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has opted out, advocating for dialogue and a peaceful resolution. Similarly, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has yet to decide its stance.

The federal government has responded by warning that the strike is premature and illegal. Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi argued that the minimum wage negotiations are ongoing and urged labor unions to reconsider their action. The government cited a subsisting court order from last year, prohibiting the unions from striking.

In a bid to avert the strike, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Senator Sani Musa appealed to the labor leaders to suspend the strike and continue negotiations. The Senate and House of Representatives also called for constructive dialogue to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

Human rights activist Femi Falana emphasized that the current minimum wage of N30,000 expired on April 18, 2024, necessitating an urgent review. He pointed out that the federal government had previously awarded an additional N35,000 wage subsidy following the removal of fuel subsidies last year, making the total monthly wage N65,000 during the subsidy period.

As the nation awaits the outcome of this industrial action, the strike’s potential impact on Nigeria’s economy and daily life looms large. Labor leaders have urged workers to remain vigilant and participate fully, underscoring the strike’s significance for their wellbeing and survival. The government, meanwhile, continues to call for patience and cooperation, seeking a resolution that balances the interests of all parties involved.