In the wake of a two-day nationwide warning strike just one week ago, organized labor in Nigeria has issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The labor unions have threatened to initiate an indefinite strike if the government does not address their demands within the next week. The primary catalyst for this proposed strike is the government’s perceived inaction in providing relief measures to alleviate the hardships Nigerians are facing due to the removal of fuel subsidies.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that this impending industrial action could paralyze commercial and economic activities across the nation. National Assistant General Secretary of the NLC, Mr. Christopher Onyeka, voiced strong opposition to the government’s actions, highlighting the stark contrast between a meager bag of rice distributed to citizens and reports of hefty N100 million palliatives given to each member of the National Assembly.
On September 1, 2023, the NLC handed down a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government regarding the delayed distribution of palliatives. If the government does not meet the union’s demands, they have pledged to commence an indefinite nationwide strike, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to their cause.
To underscore their resolve, the NLC organized a two-day warning strike on September 5 and 6, temporarily disrupting social and economic activities in several states, with the closure of banks, ministries, agencies, and departments in some regions. This action was seen as a precursor to the total shutdown that could follow if the government fails to act before the ultimatum expires.
Among the key demands of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress are wage increases, the implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances for public sector workers, and a review of the minimum wage. Despite the government’s commitment to restructuring the framework for engagement with organized labor on palliatives, the eight-week timeline set for this process expired in August without any progress.
The sub-committees established to implement the government’s palliative package, covering areas such as Cash Transfers, Social Investment Programs, Cost of Governance, Energy, Mass Transit, and Housing, have yet to convene or fulfill their mandates. President Bola Tinubu initiated these sub-committees after a closed-door session with NLC and TUC leaders during a nationwide labor protest.
Expressing frustration at the government’s apparent reluctance to engage in negotiations, Onyeka accused the government of abandoning the negotiation table and failing to meet workers’ demands. The NLC has made it clear that they may not notify the government before taking action.
Additionally, Nigerian workers have been severely affected by the removal of the fuel subsidy, with some resorting to reduced work hours, working from home, or finding alternative sources of income. High living costs and increased expenses have left many struggling to make ends meet.
In various states, civil servants have reported working fewer days and adopting the work-from-home model, initially popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers have cited the inability of their current wages to cover basic living expenses, transportation costs, and their children’s school fees. Some have resorted to taking on additional jobs, such as cab driving or farming, to supplement their income.
The situation has not improved in Kwara State, where workers have been instructed to report to their offices only three times a week to save money due to the soaring cost of petrol. Though the state government temporarily added N10,000 to their salaries pending a minimum wage review, many workers still struggle to provide for their families. Food prices have surged, and the cost of transportation has more than doubled, prompting workers to seek alternative solutions to make ends meet.
In light of these economic challenges, labor unions across Nigeria are demanding immediate government intervention to address the crisis. They argue that a salary increase is essential to help workers cope with rising costs and to maintain productivity in the public sector. The NLC remains resolute in its quest for improved conditions for workers, emphasizing that reducing working days is not the solution; instead, workers need adequate support to perform effectively.
As the September 22, 2023 deadline approaches, the nation awaits the government’s response to the labor unions’ demands, with the potential for an indefinite nationwide strike looming large if these issues remain unresolved.