Nigeria’s main labour unions have taken dramatic action to press their demands for a new minimum wage, resulting in significant disruptions across the country.
The unions have shut down the national grid, disrupted airline operations, and blocked the gates to parliament as part of an indefinite strike aimed at forcing the government to address their wage demands.
The previous minimum wage of N30,000 (£15) per month, agreed upon in 2019, expired this April. In response, the unions are now pushing for a substantial increase to N494,000 (£257) per month, reflecting the rising cost of living and economic challenges faced by workers.
Monday’s strike, organized by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC)—the country’s two largest unions—marks the fourth major protest since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023. The unions argue that the government has been slow to address their concerns, leaving workers struggling to make ends meet.
The impact of the strike has been felt nationwide. The shutdown of the national grid has led to widespread power outages, affecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
Airline operations have been severely disrupted, causing significant delays and cancellations that have stranded passengers and affected travel plans. In the capital, Abuja, union members have blocked the gates to parliament, preventing lawmakers from entering and conducting their duties.
Union leaders have vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met. “We are fighting for the rights of Nigerian workers,” said Ayuba Wabba, President of the NLC. “The current minimum wage is no longer sustainable, and the government must act now to improve the living conditions of workers.”
The government, meanwhile, has called for dialogue and negotiations to resolve the dispute. In a statement, a government spokesperson urged the unions to return to the negotiating table, emphasizing the need for a balanced solution that addresses workers’ needs while considering the broader economic impact.
The ongoing labour union protests and the resulting national grid shutdown underscore the critical vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s infrastructure, particularly for the tech industry.
As businesses and startups navigate this challenging period, the situation highlights the urgent need for reliable power and connectivity solutions.
It also emphasizes the broader socio-economic issues that must be addressed to foster a stable and innovative tech ecosystem. Moving forward, a resolution that balances workers’ rights with economic stability will be essential to ensure the continued growth and resilience of Nigeria’s tech sector.
