A critical meeting on Sunday night between organised labour and the National Assembly leadership ended in deadlock, leading the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to proceed with a nationwide strike starting today.
Despite ongoing negotiations, the labour unions remain firm in their demands.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio informed journalists in Abuja that efforts by the National Assembly to persuade the unions to suspend the strike had failed, expressing concern over the potential economic paralysis and increased hardship for Nigerians.
The strike follows a controversial decision by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on April 3 to significantly increase electricity tariffs, prompting widespread public outcry.
The NLC and TUC had issued a May 31 ultimatum demanding the reversal of this tariff hike and the finalisation of a new national minimum wage.
During negotiations, the federal government proposed incremental wage increases of N48,000, N54,000, and most recently, N60,000.
However, the unions rejected these offers, insisting on a minimum wage of N615,500 due to the high cost of living.
Labour representative Osifo, speaking after the lengthy meeting with the National Assembly, stated that while they acknowledged the Senate President’s appeal to halt the strike, the decision required approval from their National Executive Council.
He emphasized that while they were close to finalizing a new minimum wage agreement, the strike would proceed until their demands were met.
Akpabio highlighted the severe consequences of the strike, including the closure of hospitals and disruption of essential services, urging the unions to reconsider for the sake of the nation’s economy and citizens’ welfare.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, expressed disappointment over the unions’ refusal of a temporary N35,000 wage award, intended as a stopgap until a new wage regime is established.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing labour’s concerns and emphasised the broader economic implications of meeting the unions’ demands.
The meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and the Ministers of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, among others. Despite the extensive negotiations, the labour unions remain resolute, and the nationwide strike is now underway.
