The Federal Government has urged Organised Labour to reconsider its decision to embark on an indefinite strike from Monday, June 3, 2024, over the proposed minimum wage. The government pleaded with Labour to show understanding, stating that industrial action is not the solution. The Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, made the appeal, emphasizing that the government’s offer of N60,000 is in the interest of Nigerians.
However, Organised Labour has declared a nationwide strike, citing the government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage and reverse the hike in electricity tariff. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) accused the government of lacking seriousness and commitment to the demands of Nigerian workers and people.
The labour unions demanded a new National Minimum Wage Act and a reversal of the electricity tariff hike to N65/kWh. They also expressed disappointment over the absence of governors and ministers at the meeting, stating that the government abandoned the negotiation.
The indefinite strike is set to begin on Monday, with the NLC and TUC calling on all affiliates, state councils, civil society organisations, market men and women, and the general populace to prepare for decisive action. The strike has the potential to lead to fuel scarcity and blackout, as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have vowed to join the strike.
