Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Nigeria’s primary labor unions have initiated an indefinite strike, shutting down the national grid, halting airline operations, and blocking parliament gates due to the government’s failure to settle on a new minimum wage. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) demand an increase from the expired minimum wage of N30,000 (£15) per month to N494,000 (£257).
This action marks the fourth strike by the NLC and TUC since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported that union members disrupted operations at power control rooms and shut down six substations, leading to a national grid shutdown at 2:19 am (01:19 GMT). As of Monday afternoon, the grid remained down.
Reports indicate that the NLC affiliate within the national legislature cut power and water supplies to parliament. Banks and hospitals were also reported closed in several states. Nigerian airlines, including Ibom Air and United Nigeria, suspended flights due to the strike, with airports across the country being shut down and workers withdrawing their services.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga criticized the strike on X, stating, “Labour is harming the Nigerian people they claim to be fighting for… what is clear is that the issue they claim to be fighting for cannot be resolved by blackmail or sabotage.”
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has implemented reforms that have driven inflation to nearly a 30-year high, exacerbating a cost of living crisis. His decision to scrap fuel subsidies, which kept petrol prices low but cost the government $10bn (£7.9bn) last year, has increased pressure on households and small businesses.
The unions declared the strike after talks for a new minimum wage to mitigate the impact of these reforms collapsed. TUC president Festus Osifo expressed frustration, stating, “Since we undertook the nationwide protest against the recent hike in electricity tariffs, no government official has called us for discussion.”
The TCN is working to recover and stabilize the grid, but union actions are hindering progress. Additionally, unions are demanding a reversal of the recent electricity tariff hike for high-consuming, better-off consumers as the government aims to reduce subsidies.
Amid these developments, Nigeria’s privatization body announced securing a $500m World Bank loan for the electricity sector. The indefinite strike continues as unions stand firm on their demands for a new minimum wage.
