Several labor unions have closed their workplaces in adherence to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) directive for an indefinite nationwide strike.
Organized labor, having announced on Friday their intent to commence an indefinite nationwide strike due to the government’s refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage to N60,000, initiated the strike early Monday morning after a final attempt at intervention by Parliament members failed.
In a joint statement delivered by NLC President Joe Ajaero and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Festus Osifo, they expressed deep concerns and disappointment over the government’s failure to finalize and pass a new National Minimum Wage Act.
Among their demands, they also called for the reversal of the electricity tariff increase to N65/kWh.
Both the NLC and TUC had given the government until May 31 to resolve the minimum wage crisis, but no compromise was reached.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities issued a statement on Monday directing lecturers nationwide to join the strike as an affiliate of the congress.
In solidarity, aviation unions instructed their members to cease services across Nigerian airports on Sunday, causing significant disruption to travel plans nationwide.
Additionally, the National Union of Electricity Employees joined the strike on Sunday, resulting in a nationwide blackout as the national grid’s power generation dropped to zero megawatts.
