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Nigeria plunged into chaos Monday as major labor unions launched an indefinite strike to pressure the government for a raise in the minimum wage. The strike crippled the national power grid, grounding flights and disrupting daily life across the country.
This is the fourth strike organized by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) since President Bola Tinubu took office last year. The unions accuse the government of failing to address rising living costs, particularly after scrapping fuel subsidies.
The strike began with the occupation of power control rooms by union members, leading to the shutdown of the national grid by early morning. Airlines like Ibom Air were forced to suspend flights, while others reported being barred from operating by striking workers at airports.
The oil sector, a vital pillar of the Nigerian economy, also faces potential disruption. While oil unions have threatened production stoppages, regulators claim contingency plans are in place to maintain output.
However, on Tuesday, after talks with the government, the labor unions called a one-week pause in their nationwide strike to allow for further negotiations on a new minimum wage. The strike, which began on Monday, disrupted flights, shut down the power grid, and closed public institutions.The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) cited the need for a “conducive environment” for talks to resume. They are demanding a significant increase in the minimum wage, from 30,000 naira ($200) per month to 494,000 naira ($330).
This decision comes as Nigeria grapples with high inflation and a weakening currency. The unions hope the government will use this pause to commit to a “concrete and acceptable” minimum wage increase. Negotiations are expected to resume daily for the next week.
President Tinubu’s economic reforms, aimed at weaning the country off subsidies, have come under fire for fueling inflation and worsening living conditions. Unions are demanding a new minimum wage to counter the rising cost of living.
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