In a significant development, Africa's most populous country, Nigeria, came to a standstill on Monday as the largest labor unions initiated a strike to push for a salary hike amidst a severe cost of living crisis. The country witnessed power outages, closure of major airports, and disruptions in various government offices as workers protested against the economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu's measures, which included the removal of fuel subsidies, have led to a sharp increase in inflation, reaching a 28-year high. The strike saw workers taking action by shutting down the national electricity grid and preventing the restoration of power at key transmission stations.
Government employees either stayed away from work or blocked entrances to offices, impacting operations at airports in Abuja and Lagos. The aviation workers' association issued a directive for all its members to refrain from work until further notice.
The Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, representing a significant number of government workers, demanded a substantial increase in the minimum monthly wage from 30,000 naira to nearly 500,000 naira. The government's counteroffer of 60,000 naira was deemed insufficient by the unions.
The unions' proposal, if accepted, would result in a substantial rise in the government's wage bill, potentially destabilizing the economy, as highlighted by the information minister. The decision to end fuel subsidies and devalue the national currency has led to a surge in gas prices and a subsequent increase in the cost of living for the country's population of over 210 million.
The ongoing strike underscores the growing discontent among Nigerian workers grappling with the economic challenges exacerbated by the recent policy changes. As negotiations continue between the government and the labor unions, the future trajectory of the country's economy remains uncertain.
