The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared a nationwide strike on Friday, May 31, 2024, over a proposed new minimum wage, following a meeting with the tripartite of the federal government, Labour and the Organised Private Sector (OPS).

The Federal Government and the labour unions failed to reach an agreement on a new minimum wage and the reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs.

Meanwhile, the federal government had appealed to organised labour to reconsider its planned indefinite strike set to commence on Monday, June 3, 2024. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the sum of N494,000 national minimum wage being demanded by organised labour, which cumulatively amounts to N9.5 trillion, could destabilise the economy and jeopardise the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians.

Idris said at a news conference in Abuja, “The Federal Government’s New Minimum Wage proposal amounts to a 100% increase on the existing minimum wage of 2019. Labour, however, wanted N494,000, which would increase by 1,547% on the existing wage. The sum of N494,000 national minimum wage which Labour is seeking would cumulatively amount to a N9.5 trillion bill to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“Nigerians need to understand that whereas the FG is desirous of ample remuneration for Nigerian workers, what is most critical is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not encourage any action that could lead to massive job loss, especially in the private sector, who may not be able to pay the wage demanded by the Organised Labour.”

Despite these appeals, the leadership of the NLC and TUC has maintained their decision to proceed with the industrial action as of the time of this report.

Some affiliated agencies with organised labour have announced their intention to embark on the strike:

1. Nigeria Union of Railway Workers: Secretary General Igbokwe Francis announced that the nationwide strike would begin at midnight on Monday, June 3, urging management to protect all critical equipment and properties.

2. Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP): Secretary General Abdul Rasaq Saidu criticized the government for delaying issues, while the salaries and allowances of the President and his Cabinet were not cut. ANAP members and all aviation workers are directed to stay away from work by midnight on Sunday, June 2.

3. National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture & Wood Workers (NUCECFWW): General Secretary Ibrahim A. Walama directed all State Councils to liaise with the leadership of NLC and TUC in their respective states.

4. Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE): General Secretary Sikiru Waheed directed all councils to mobilize their members to join the nationwide strike.

5. Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria: JUSUN directed all branches to ensure compliance with the strike, ensuring a total shutdown of all Courts and Judicial Institutes across Nigeria.

6. National Union of Electricity Employees: The union requested all executives to mobilize members for total compliance with the strike directive.

7. Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers: The union notified all members in oil and gas operations to ensure total compliance with the strike directive.

8. Medical & Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria: The union requested immediate mobilisation of members for a total shutdown of health facilities starting at 00:01 hours on June 3.

9. Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN): The union directed members at all ports, jetties, terminals, and oil and gas platforms to ensure total compliance with the strike.

10. Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN): The association directed total compliance with the strike action, warning that non-compliance would be viewed as sabotage and attract necessary sanctions.

The nationwide strike is set to begin on Monday, June 3, 2024. (The Guardian)

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