Nationwide Strike Looms as Labour Unions Demand New Minimum Wage and Lower Electricity Tariffs

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have declared an indefinite nationwide strike starting Monday, June 3rd, 2024. This follows the government’s failure to meet their demands for a new minimum wage and a reversal of the recent electricity tariff increase.

Frustration Over Stalled Negotiations

Labour leaders claim that despite repeated requests, the government has not concluded negotiations for a new minimum wage or addressed the electricity tariff hike. They rejected the government’s latest offer of N60,000, insisting on their demand for N497,000. The unions argue that the soaring cost of living, fueled by the removal of fuel subsidies and naira devaluation, necessitates a significant increase in the minimum wage.

Nigeria Labour Congress protest

Government Response Awaited

The government has yet to respond to the strike announcement. The potential shutdown could significantly disrupt various sectors of the Nigerian economy.