The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers across the country to stay at home as a nationwide strike commences today, June 3. This decision follows a deadlock in negotiations with the Federal Government and National Assembly leaders over a new national minimum wage and the reversal of recent electricity tariff hikes.
The labour unions argue that the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 is no longer sufficient to cater to the well-being of an average Nigerian worker. They also lament that not all governors are paying the current wage award, which expired in April 2024. The Minimum Wage Act of 2019, signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, stipulates that the wage should be reviewed every five years to meet contemporary economic demands.
After the government failed to meet the May 31 deadline for a new minimum wage, the Labour union declared a nationwide strike beginning from June 3, 2024. During the failed talks, Labour rejected the government’s offers, including the latest proposal of ₦60,000, insisting on ₦497,000 as the new minimum wage. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and NLC have pulled out of negotiations, leading to the current strike action.
