Nationwide strike paralyzes Nigeria as workers demand better wages

ABUJA, Nigeria

Economic activities are paralyzed in Nigeria as workers began a nationwide strike on Monday to demand better wages.

Hundreds of travelers are stranded at major airports in the country as the labor union shuts down all ports. Public transportation to the nation’s capital, Abuja, Lagos, the country’s commercial hub, and other major cities has been cut off following the blockage of major roads. Academic activities are also on hold at various educational institutions.

National Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nuhu Toro, said the strike is a collective action by all labor unions in the country to demand fair wages for workers.

"It is a joint decision and a total one. We are demanding for living wage, not just minimum wage, reduction of the current electricity tariff," he told Anadolu.

Power supply was cut off Monday due to the shutdown of electricity generating facilities across the country by the labor union, the national electricity transmission company announced.

An economist and public worker, George Adijoh, blamed the government for insisting on paying $80.2 as a minimum wage against the $135 proposed by the labor union during negotiations.

Combat policemen patrol major public buildings in Lagos and cities in the northern region.

The federal government, in its reaction, described the strike as ineffectual and illegal. Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said the labor union did not explore mediation as prescribed by international conventions and laws.

It is the second major strike in the country since President Bola Tinubu assumed office as the 16th leader of the Africa's leading economy.

In November 2023, a nationwide strike declared by the labour union was suspended after government agreed to set up a tripartite committee to review existing minimum wage for workers.