NLC, TUC Begin Strike Today After Negotiations with FG Failed

Last night, a critical meeting between organised labour and the leaders of the National Assembly ended without a resolution, leading the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to proceed with their planned nationwide strike today. 

On April 3, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved an increase in electricity tariffs for Band A customers, raising the rate from N66 to N225 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This hike sparked widespread public outrage and demands for its reversal. In response, organized labor issued a May 31 request to NERC and the federal government to roll back the tariff increase.

Additionally, labor unions demanded that the federal government finalize the process of setting a new national minimum wage by the same date. During negotiations, the government suggested a gradual increase in the monthly minimum wage to N48,000, then N54,000, and eventually N60,000. However, the NLC and TUC rejected these offers, insisting on a minimum wage of N615,500 due to the soaring cost of living.

Despite ongoing discussions, both labour unions have maintained their stance, with NLC and TUC insisting on continuing the strike while negotiations persist.

Government and labour leaders at odds over economic impact

Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed concern about the severe economic repercussions of the strike, emphasizing the hardships it would add to Nigerians’ lives. Similarly, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi labeled the strike premature and illegal, advising the labour unions to reconsider their decision.

Media adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Ajuri Ngelale, echoed these sentiments on national television, warning of the catastrophic economic effects if labour’s demands for a hefty increase in the minimum wage were met. He stressed that such a demand could lead to significant job losses and business closures, severely affecting the economy.

Aviation unions threaten to close local and international airports amid strike

Aviation labor unions have announced plans to shut down both local and international airports in response to the ongoing strike. A collective statement from the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) warned that services at domestic airports would cease starting at midnight on June 3. The strike at international airports is set to begin on June 4.

The declaration, signed by NUATE General Secretary Abba Ocheme, ATSSSAN Deputy General Secretary Frances Akinjole, ANAP Secretary General Abdul Rasaq Saidu, and NAAPE General Secretary Olayinka Abioye, indicated that the shutdown would be indefinite. The unions stated, “Following directives from our labor centers, NLC and TUC, we inform the public, aviation service providers, airline operators, and aviation workers nationwide that all services at Nigerian airports will be completely halted until further notice. Aware that many international flights are en route to Nigeria, the action at international terminals will commence on June 4, 2024.”

State governors and religious leaders urge compromise

The chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, highlighted that several states might struggle to meet the new wage demands, potentially leading to economic collapse and increased poverty levels. 

Echoing a plea for moderation, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, appealed to NLC and TUC to reconsider their planned strike, pointing out the potential harm to the general populace.

Labour Unions firm on their stance

Despite appeals from various sectors, the TUC, represented by President Festus Osifo, voiced their disappointment with the government’s offers, which significantly fell short of their expectations. As discussions faltered, aviation labour unions announced their readiness to halt operations at both international and local airports, signaling a serious escalation in the strike’s impact.

While the federal government proposed incremental wage increases during negotiations, NLC and TUC dismissed these as inadequate against the backdrop of Nigeria’s rising cost of living. The last meeting saw both sides restate their positions but ended without any agreement, leaving the door open for further dialogue even as the strike commences.

In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio urged both sides to return to negotiations, stressing the urgent need to find a solution that would prevent further disruption. Meanwhile, government officials, including the Minister of Information, emphasized that continuing discussions was crucial and expressed hope that the strike would be called off soon for the sake of the nation’s well-being.