NLC Prepares for Nationwide Strike Over Economic Hardship and Unmet Government Promises

 

In a dramatic escalation of tensions between organized labor and the Nigerian government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to embark on a fresh nationwide strike, set to commence on April 7, 2025. This decision, revealed on March 26, 2025, stems from the NLC’s growing frustration with the federal government’s failure to address worsening economic conditions and honor commitments made to alleviate the plight of Nigerian workers. As of today, March 27, 2025, the move has sent shockwaves through the nation, reigniting debates about labor rights, government accountability, and the deepening cost-of-living crisis.

The Catalyst: Economic Woes and Broken Promises

The NLC’s decision to mobilize for an indefinite strike is rooted in what the union describes as “unbearable hardship” inflicted on Nigerians by policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent spike in living costs. In a statement issued by NLC President Joe Ajaero following an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on March 25, the union accused the Bola Tinubu administration of neglecting its pledge to implement palliative measures and a new minimum wage to cushion the effects of these economic reforms.

The fuel subsidy removal, announced by President Tinubu in May 2023 during his inaugural address, led to petrol prices soaring from ₦185 to over ₦600 per liter, with further increases pushing it toward ₦1,000 in some regions by early 2025. This policy, coupled with a naira devaluation that has seen the currency plummet against the dollar, has driven inflation to a staggering 33%, according to recent estimates. Food prices, transportation costs, and utility bills have skyrocketed, leaving many Nigerian workers struggling to survive on stagnant wages.

Ajaero highlighted that despite multiple negotiations—including a memorandum of understanding signed with the government on October 2, 2023, promising a ₦35,000 wage award and other relief measures—these commitments remain largely unfulfilled. “The government has shown a lack of seriousness in addressing the suffering of the masses,” he stated, pointing to delays in disbursing promised palliatives, such as food distribution and cash transfers, and the failure to conclude negotiations on a new national minimum wage. The current ₦30,000 minimum wage, enacted in 2019, expired in April 2024, and labor’s demand for ₦494,000 has been met with a government counteroffer of just ₦62,000, stalling talks further.

A Call to Action: Mobilizing Workers Nationwide

The NLC’s NEC resolution mandates all affiliate unions and state councils to begin mobilizing workers immediately for a “total shutdown” starting April 7, unless the government takes decisive action. This includes shutting down offices, schools, banks, and other critical sectors, a strategy that has proven effective in past labor actions, such as the two-day warning strike in September 2023 and the indefinite strike suspended in June 2024 after a week-long standoff. Ajaero emphasized that this strike would be “comprehensive and uncompromising,” signaling labor’s readiness to paralyze the economy until their demands are met.

Key demands include the immediate implementation of a living wage reflective of current economic realities, the reversal of electricity tariff hikes introduced in 2024, and the fulfillment of outstanding palliative promises. The union also cited the government’s alleged interference in labor affairs, including threats against NLC leadership, as a further provocation. “We will not be silenced or intimidated,” Ajaero declared, referencing past incidents like his 2024 police summons over unproven terrorism financing allegations.

Government Response and Public Sentiment

The federal government has yet to issue an official statement on the strike threat as of March 27, though past patterns suggest an attempt to negotiate may be imminent. In previous standoffs, ministers like Simon Lalong and Mohammed Idris have appealed for dialogue, often citing budgetary constraints as a barrier to meeting labor’s demands. The Tinubu administration has defended its economic reforms as necessary for long-term stability, but critics argue that the lack of immediate relief has alienated the populace.

Public reaction, gauged from posts on X, is mixed but leans heavily toward support for the NLC. Many Nigerians express exasperation with rising costs, with one user noting, “₦77,000 NYSC allowance is a joke when a bag of rice is ₦100,000.” Others question the union’s effectiveness, calling it “toothless” in light of repeated strikes yielding limited results. Nonetheless, the prospect of a nationwide shutdown has heightened anxiety among businesses and commuters bracing for disruptions.

Historical Context: A Pattern of Protest

This strike threat follows a series of labor actions under Tinubu’s tenure. In 2023, the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) staged protests over fuel subsidy removal, securing temporary concessions like the ₦35,000 wage award. A June 2024 strike over minimum wage negotiations was suspended after a week, with promises of renewed talks that have since faltered. Each action has underscored the growing rift between labor and the government, with the NLC accusing authorities of prioritizing policy over people.

The timing—days after the government declared March 31 and April 1 public holidays for Eid-el-Fitr—adds a layer of complexity. The holiday break could either dampen initial mobilization or provide workers a strategic pause to rally, depending on how events unfold.

What Lies Ahead: A Nation on Edge

As April 7 approaches, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. A successful strike could force the government to expedite wage talks and deliver on palliatives, but it risks further economic strain if prolonged. Conversely, a failure to act decisively could erode the NLC’s credibility, emboldening critics who see labor’s threats as hollow. The coming days will likely see intensified efforts at dialogue, with the government possibly deploying the National Assembly or traditional rulers as mediators, a tactic used in past crises.

For now, the NLC’s call to strike is a clarion call for millions of Nigerians battered by economic hardship. Whether it yields tangible change or becomes another chapter in the ongoing labor-government tug-of-war remains to be seen, but the stakes—for workers, leaders, and the nation—have rarely been higher.