The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has called on all Nigerian workers to stay home as the nationwide strike begins today, June 3.
This announcement was made through a post on the NLC’s official X handle this morning. The decision to proceed with the strike follows a stalemate in negotiations between the Organized Labour, the Federal Government, and the National Assembly leaders regarding a new national minimum wage and the reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
The labour unions argue that the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 is insufficient to support the average Nigerian worker’s well-being. Additionally, they lament that not all state governors are adhering to the current wage award, which expired in April 2024, five years after the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 was enacted by former President Muhammadu Buhari. This Act mandates a review every five years to align with contemporary economic demands faced by workers.
Following the expiration of the current wage award, the labour unions issued a deadline to the Federal Government, demanding a new minimum wage by May 31. When this deadline passed without an agreement, the Labour union declared a nationwide strike set to begin on Monday, June 3, 2024.
This action was triggered by the government’s failure to agree on a new minimum wage and reverse the hike in electricity tariffs.
During the unsuccessful talks with the government, Labour rejected three offers, the latest being an increase to ₦60,000. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the NLC pulled out of the negotiations, maintaining their demand for a new minimum wage of ₦497,000.
The NLC’s insistence on this figure reflects their belief that it is necessary to meet the current economic realities and ensure a decent standard of living for Nigerian workers. The nationwide strike aims to pressure the government into addressing these critical issues promptly and effectively.
