By Uchenna Gloria

Organized labour in Nigeria has declared a nationwide strike effective from Monday, June 3, to protest against the federal government’s refusal to meet their demand for an increased minimum wage.

The joint action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) was announced following the expiration of the ultimatum given to the government to conclude negotiations over the minimum wage.

According to the labour leaders, the strike is the culmination of a long-drawn-out struggle to secure a new minimum wage that adequately reflects the current economic realities in the country.

In the past, the government had made two offers, but both were rejected by the labour unions as they fell short of their demands.

Speaking at a joint news conference in Abuja, the leaders of NLC and TUC appealed to Nigerians for understanding, stressing that the decision to embark on the strike was taken after careful consideration and with a deep sense of responsibility.

Despite the imminent nationwide strike, the federal government has remained resolute in its position, with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, stating that the government cannot afford to pay the proposed minimum wage of N60,000.

This impasse between the government and labour unions has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society organizations and the general public, who have called on both parties to reach a compromise and avert the looming strike action.

However, with the deadline for negotiations having elapsed, it remains to be seen whether the strike will be averted, or if it will indeed commence on Monday as scheduled.

Below is the circular on the directive by the Organized Labour in Nigeria