The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have officially suspended their strike action following a series of intense negotiations with the government concerning the national minimum wage.
However, during the strike, Nigeria experienced a complete shutdown of the national grid, plunging the country into darkness and triggering widespread reactions from citizens and celebrities alike.
Falz
Rapper and activist Falz found himself stranded in Uyo due to the strike. He shared his ordeal on Instagram, detailing how closed airports and cancelled flights disrupted his travel plans. Despite the inconvenience, Falz expressed unwavering support for the strike, suggesting it should have occurred sooner.
“That’s how I woke up this morning, set out to go to the airport only to find that the airport is closed and all flights are cancelled because of the strike. I can’t make it to Lagos and I’m now stuck in Uyo.
Despite the fact that it really affects me, I understand the need for the strike and I’m with them. I’m with the Labour because at the end of the day, werey ni awon people yi. They’re mad. The strike should have happened earlier than now in fact.”
Mr Macaroni
Popular comedian Mr Macaroni used his platform on X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the Nigerian government’s failure to provide basic amenities and respect fundamental human rights.
His posts highlighted the frustration many Nigerians feel toward the political elite.
“Nigerians wey no get wahala. I wonder why our politicians can’t simply see this. Provide basic amenities, respect the people’s fundamental human rights and create an enabling environment for the people. Simple. Everyone is happy.
But no. Politicians want to steal for themselves and generations unborn! The greed is appalling!”
Kate Henshaw
Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw took to X to vent her frustration over the electricity blackout that began in the early hours of the strike day.
“We have been in darkness since 5 am this morning… It started at 2 am oo so dem remember us late sef…They gave us 3 hours grace. My tired is tired with all the lies and greed TBH.”
Seun Kuti
During a live discussion on Instagram, singer Seun Kuti introduced the concept of a maximum wage, advocating that it should be tied to the minimum wage to prevent the devaluation of wage increases through inflation.
“I believe in a maximum wage but our maximum wage must be tied to our minimum wage.
If they increase the minimum wage, what would happen is that even if the government can put price control, the prices of things would shoot up exponentially so the minimum wage would immediately lose value.
We must put laws in place to make sure that the maximum wage is not 10 times more than the minimum wage.”
As negotiations continue, the voices of celebrities and public figures amplify the calls for substantial and lasting improvements to the living conditions and rights of Nigerian workers.
