The Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has enforced a shutdown at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, as part of the nationwide strike demanding a new national minimum wage. This action follows the directive from the NLC’s National body.
Workers gathered early on Monday, around 7:30 am, and locked the access gates to the Secretariat, effectively preventing vehicular and pedestrian movement into the premises. This blockade affects access to critical areas including the Governor’s office, the Deputy Governor’s office, the State House of Assembly, various ministries, departments, agencies, banks, and other businesses within the Secretariat.
To maintain order and prevent any potential hijacking by miscreants, armed personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command are supervising the situation.
A worker who arrived despite prior warnings circulated via an internal platform found himself unable to gain access to the premises. He noted that messages were being circulated, instructing workers to stay home and avoid the office.
Funmi Sessi, the State Chairman of the NLC, was present at the site to monitor the strike’s compliance. She was seen directing officers to effectively man the gates, ensuring no worker or motorist entered the premises.
This action is part of a broader strike that has seen significant disruptions across various sectors, including healthcare and public services, as workers push for a minimum wage increase to ₦494,000 from the government’s proposed ₦60,000.