Nigeria’s labour unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), have agreed to a one-week pause in their nationwide strike. This temporary truce allows for uninterrupted talks with the government on a new minimum wage. The strike, which began just yesterday, significantly impacted the country as workers in various sectors, including schools, businesses, hospitals, and even airports, walked off the job. Power outages also occurred due to the strike’s impact on the national grid.
There’s positive momentum towards a resolution. According to reports, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signalled a willingness to increase the previously offered minimum wage of N60,000.
A formal agreement outlines the key points:
- Higher Minimum Wage on the Table: President Tinubu is committed to a national minimum wage exceeding N60,000.
- Intensive Negotiations: Daily meetings will be held for the next week by a dedicated committee to finalize a mutually agreeable minimum wage increase.
- Worker Protection: Labor unions received assurances that participating workers won’t face repercussions.
- Union Discussions: The unions will convene to discuss the government’s new offer.
While the strike is on hold, negotiations resume today to determine the specific increase in the minimum wage.