Nigerian Workers Suspend Nationwide Strike Over Rising Cost of Living

Lagos, Nigeria - Nigerian workers have suspended a nationwide strike over the rising cost of living following the removal of a petrol subsidy scheme, the government and union leaders said Thursday.

Hundreds of workers across all sectors went on strike on Wednesday in compliance with the directives of the two main unions -- the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The presidency said Thursday's strike had been suspended following talks between the two union leaders and President Bola Tinubu late on Wednesday.

"Consequent upon the fruitful and frank discussion with President Tinubu and their confidence in his ability to encourage open and honest consideration of all the issues put forward by the Labour Movement, the Labour Leaders resolved to stop further protest," the presidency said in a statement.

The presidency added that union leaders had "opted for further constructive engagement with the government to resolve all outstanding issues as they affect the working people and Nigerians in general."

Union leaders confirmed the suspension of the strike to AFP.

Tinubu ended a fuel subsidy scheme -- pushing up prices of food, transportation, and other services -- on May 29, during his inauguration as the new leader of Africa's most populous nation.

In Abuja on Wednesday, some 400 protesters led by NLC leader Joe Ajaero and his TUC counterpart Festus Usifo, marched through the capital carrying placards and chanting slogans.

They denounced low wages, lack of social amenities and adequate welfare as well as mass poverty.

The protesters stormed the parliament and smashed one of the gates before presenting their petitions to Senate leaders.

The protesters were accompanied by armed police and soldiers.

Many businesses were closed Wednesday, including government offices, banks, and markets. Only a few vehicles were on the roads as the workers marched towards the city center.

But in Lagos and other cities across the country of some 210 million people, the strike action was mixed, with some markets, shops, and government offices remaining open in the sprawling city of over 20 million people.

In the southern states of Abia, Ebonyi, and Cross River striking workers took to major roads and headed to government offices to present their demands.

The oil-rich country imports the bulk of its petroleum products due to problems at four domestic oil refineries.

Under the now-dropped subsidy scheme, the government covered the difference between the cost of import and prices at the pump.

Last week both unions gave the government until Wednesday to restore the subsidy or faced nationwide action.

The unions were also asking the government to fix the decrepit refineries to end fuel imports, which has been a huge drain on foreign reserves and resources.

With the strike suspended, there is hope for a resolution to the issues faced by Nigerian workers. The decision to engage in constructive dialogue reflects the desire to find common ground and improve the lives of the working people.

It is crucial for the government to address the concerns raised by the unions, including the need for higher wages, improved social amenities, and the revitalization of the country's oil refineries. By doing so, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on fuel imports and strengthen its economy.

While the strike may have been temporarily suspended, the demands of the workers are still valid. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the government takes meaningful action to address the issues that led to this nationwide strike.

For now, Nigerian workers can find solace in the fact that their voices were heard and that there is a commitment from the government to work towards a resolution. This suspension of the strike is a positive step towards a better future for Nigerian workers and the nation as a whole.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-03 News

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