Nigerian Workers Call for Two-Day Strike in Preparation for Indefinite Strike

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), representing millions of workers across various sectors in the West African country, has called for a two-day strike in preparation for an indefinite strike on September 21. This decision comes as a response to the economic policies implemented by President Tinubu, which have resulted in skyrocketing prices and a weakened currency.

President Tinubu, who inherited a struggling economy with a record debt and high inflation, abolished a popular but costly fuel subsidy, leading to more than tripled petrol prices. He also lifted currency restrictions, causing the naira to significantly weaken.

"Today's action is about how the government can reverse its policies, as every family feels the pain of these harsh measures... which have resulted in astronomical increases in transportation, food, goods, and services... just to name a few," said NLC Secretary in Bayelsa, Angese John.

The unions had previously engaged in a month-long strike but suspended their action after being offered talks with the government. However, these discussions did not yield sufficient concessions to satisfy organized labor.

In the capital city of Abuja, most banks remained closed on Tuesday, while electricity workers were locked out by the unions, resulting in power outages in homes and offices across the city.

"We are all standing outside while other workers have gone home. Even central supply to Abuja has been disrupted," said an electricity worker.

In the commercial capital Lagos, the strike was more moderate as the majority of workers are employed in the private sector, where fewer unions are active. Meanwhile, union officials in parts of Kano state enforced a stay-at-home order for schools and banks.

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

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