Nigerian Workers Strike Against President Tinubu's Reforms

ABUJA - Nigerian workers have taken to the streets, demanding a reversal of President Bola Tinubu's reforms that were implemented to revive the country's largest economy. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), which represents millions of workers across various sectors, declared a two-day strike with the possibility of an indefinite strike beginning on September 21.

The reforms introduced by Tinubu, aimed at addressing the struggling economy, have caused a cost of living crisis, exacerbating the hardships faced by Nigerians. Among the reforms, the scrapping of a popular but expensive petrol subsidy has resulted in pump prices more than tripling. Additionally, the lifting of currency restrictions has led to a sharp depreciation of the naira.

"Today's action is to get the government to reverse its policies because every family is feeling the pain of these harsh decisions," stated Angese John, the NLC's Bayelsa state secretary. "The astronomical increase in transportation, food, goods, and services has burdened the average Nigerian."

In a previous strike action, unions temporarily halted their protests following talks with the government. However, these negotiations failed to produce sufficient concessions from the authorities, prompting the current wave of strikes and protests.

In the Nigerian capital of Abuja, most banks remained closed on Tuesday, while electricity workers were prevented from accessing their workplaces by union members. Consequently, power cuts were experienced in homes and offices across the city.

"We are all outside while other workers have gone home. Now, there's even no central power supply to Abuja," complained one electricity worker.

The commercial hub of Lagos experienced a more subdued strike due to the higher proportion of private sector workers, who are less likely to be part of unions. Nonetheless, in certain areas of Kano state, union officials enforced a "stay-at-home" order affecting schools and banks.

The strike actions have significantly disrupted daily life and heightened concerns over the state of the Nigerian economy. Ordinary citizens are being forced to bear the brunt of the reforms, facing rising prices for essential commodities and services.

With no immediate resolution in sight, the strike has signified the collective frustration of Nigerian workers and their determination to resist policies that exacerbate their struggles. As the strike continues, Nigerian citizens hope for a fairer and more inclusive approach to revive the economy without burdening the most vulnerable.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-05 News

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