Peter Okafor
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced the commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike starting Monday, June 3, 2024.
This decision comes in response to the Federal Government’s failure to finalize a new National Minimum Wage Act and reverse the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, and Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, President of the TUC, in a joint statement called for solidarity action from all Nigerian workers.
The recent meeting further demonstrated the unseriousness and apparent contempt with which the Nigerian state holds the demands of Nigerian workers and people,” the statement read.
During a recent meeting with government officials, no Governors were present, and only the Minister of State for Labour and Employment attended, lacking the authority to commit to any outcomes.
“This absence underscores the government’s disdain and lack of commitment to a successful National Minimum Wage negotiation exercise,” the unions noted.
The NLC and TUC recalled their ultimatum issued during the May Day celebrations on May 1, 2024, demanding the conclusion of the minimum wage negotiations by the end of the month. Despite this clear deadline, there has been no significant progress or commitment from the government.
The unions also demanded a reversal of the electricity tariff hike from N225/kWh back to N65/kWh and an end to the discriminatory categorization of consumers into Bands.
“A nationwide one-day protest was held on May 13, 2024, urging the government to act by the end of the month. However, there has been no positive response despite the widespread national outrage over this insensitive hike,” the statement continued.
Nigerian workers, considered the backbone of the nation’s economy, deserve fair and decent wages reflecting the current economic realities.
“It is disheartening that the government continues to neglect its responsibility to the workforce,” the unions said. They criticized the government for deploying propaganda and intimidating trade union leaders instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue.
“The welfare of the people should be the primary concern of governance. The hike in electricity tariffs further impoverishes the already suffering populace and denies them the right to a decent living,” the unions emphasized”, the group added.
In light of the government’s persistent inaction, the NLC and TUC reiterated their decision to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.
“We call on all our affiliates, state councils, civil society organizations, market men and women, and the general populace to prepare for decisive action,” the unions urged.
The statement concluded with a commitment to pursuing this cause to its conclusion. “We regret the inconveniences this strike may cause but assure you of our determination to ensure the rights of Nigerian workers and the people are protected and their voices heard,” the unions declared.
