Nigeria’s largest labor unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have instructed their members to commence an indefinite nationwide strike starting Tuesday, defying a court order that prohibited such action.
The protest, driven by concerns over the soaring cost of living and the recent surge in fuel prices, stems from their opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s decision to eliminate the longstanding petrol subsidy, which had previously kept fuel prices low.
The government contends that scrapping the subsidy, despite its popularity, was necessary as it was straining the country’s finances, pledging to allocate the saved funds towards social projects.
The unions are demanding an increase in the minimum monthly wage to at least $120 from the current approximately $36, denouncing the government’s economic policies as “anti-people.”
TUC President Festus Osifo affirmed that the strike will persist until there is a significant response from authorities, stating, “The strike will remain until governments at all levels wake up to their responsibilities.”
Despite a restraining order issued by an industrial court in Abuja, attempting to prevent the unions from initiating the strike, the unions have moved forward with their plans.
The duration of the strike remains uncertain, but it is anticipated to disrupt essential services such as hospitals, railway stations, and schools in Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa.
Source-BBC
