Workers across Nigeria have downed tools as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) commenced an industrial action in response to the recent hike in electricity tariffs and unresolved issues regarding a new minimum wage. Despite last-minute intervention efforts by the National Assembly, negotiations reached an impasse, triggering the strike.
The industrial action has severely disrupted essential services and businesses nationwide, including schools, hospitals, and power supply, as workers adhered to the directives from the NLC and TUC.
Airports and Transportation Affected
Airports in major cities such as Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Lagos saw significant disruptions. At Port Harcourt Airport, members of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) blocked access, leaving many passengers stranded and forcing some to walk to the terminal. Although flights continued, there was a heavy security presence, and no check-ins or boarding were allowed.
In Lagos, similar scenes played out as aviation unions locked the airport gates, preventing staff and passengers from entering. Abuja Airport witnessed an unusual quietness, with locked doors and empty terminals, reflecting the widespread impact of the strike on the aviation sector.
Education Sector Halted
The strike also brought academic activities to a standstill. In Abuja, Ibadan, Oyo State, Cross River, and other regions, students were sent home as schools closed in compliance with the strike. At Kaduna Polytechnic, union officials locked students out of the campus early in the morning, sparking concerns about potential disruptions to academic calendars.
Healthcare and Power Supply Disrupted
Hospitals in various states, including Kaduna and Niger, were shut down, with labour leaders barring workers and patients from accessing healthcare facilities. The National Ear Care Centre in Kaduna was sealed, and out-patients were turned away.
Additionally, the national power grid was shut down early Monday morning by workers under the National Union of Electricity Workers (NUEE), causing a nationwide blackout. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that all power substations were shut down, resulting in a complete loss of power generation.
Government and Business Operations Cease
Government offices and some businesses were not spared. In Edo State, the NLC and TUC locked up the State Secretariat in Benin City, despite the state recently raising the minimum wage to N70,000. Similarly, in Imo State and Lagos, civil servants were locked out of government offices, and economic activities slowed significantly.
The usually bustling streets of Lagos were unusually quiet for a Monday morning, with courts and various government offices closed. In Ogun State, the Federal Secretariat in Abeokuta was also locked, and the NLC Secretariat in Ibadan saw no activity.
Broader Economic Impact
The strike extended to major economic hubs such as the headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Port Harcourt. Labour leaders ensured non-essential staff vacated the premises and enforced the strike strictly across sectors, including partial compliance at SPDC Industrial Area.
The widespread strike underlines the deep-seated issues concerning wage negotiations and public service costs in Nigeria. As the strike continues, the economic and social impacts are expected to intensify, urging the government and labour unions to find a swift resolution to avoid further disruptions.
