A nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in protest of the government’s failure to provide palliatives following the fuel subsidy removal disrupted economic activities in several states. However, in some states like Lagos, Sokoto, and Katsina, workers did not comply with the strike, ensuring essential services continued.
In Lagos, banks, financial institutions, and the civil service operated normally, despite the NLC’s directive to shut down services. Delta, Bayelsa, and Ogun also reported minimal disruption as workers attended to customers.
While the strike paralyzed activities in the Federal Capital Territory and some states, it had an unexpected impact on power distribution as workers in various power firms, under the National Union of Electricity Employees, joined the industrial action. This disruption caused electricity supply issues nationwide.
The NLC had initially declared a two-day warning strike to prepare for a total shutdown in 21 days. This decision followed the government’s failure to engage with organized labor to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal on the public.
Attempts by the government to halt the strike failed, and NLC leaders did not attend a scheduled meeting with government representatives on Monday.
In Lagos, some banks initially closed their doors to customers, but as the day progressed, they reopened, indicating a lack of coordination regarding the strike.
Notably, the aviation sector did not participate fully in the strike, citing ongoing international audits of Nigeria’s aviation sector. The decision was made to avoid potential repercussions of disrupting the audit.
However, the strike’s impact was felt at Lagos Ports, where the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria shut down port operations.
In the nation’s capital, Abuja, many government offices and agencies shut down, including banks in the area. Even the Federal High Court had to ask lawyers and litigants to leave the premises by 2 pm.
In Plateau State’s capital, Jos, the strike achieved full compliance as NLC officials locked down government offices.
In Delta State, the NLC enforced the strike, leading to the closure of public offices and disruptions in commercial activities. Banks, too, complied with the strike, though some initially hesitated.
Despite the strike in some states, certain states like Sokoto and Katsina reported limited compliance. Civil servants reported for work in these states, with banks and government offices operating normally until union leaders later enforced compliance in the afternoon.
In Kwara State, the strike had mixed compliance. Some banks and businesses initially remained open, citing a lack of directives from their head offices. However, a few branches later complied with the strike.
In Osun State, NLC members, including the National Union of Electricity Employees, joined the strike. Some banks were shut, while others remained open initially.
In summary, the NLC’s warning strike disrupted services and economic activities in several states, but its impact varied across the nation. While the strike received substantial compliance in some areas, others remained resilient and continued their operations, demonstrating the challenges of coordinating nationwide labor actions.