The streets are silent, offices are locked, and the country is at a standstill. Why? Because the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have had enough. They’ve downed tools across the nation over a hike in electricity tariffs and the unresolved issue of a new minimum wage.
What They Are Saying
Let’s start with the National Assembly. Oh, they tried to step in at the last minute to avoid this mess, but surprise, surprise, it didn’t work. So here we are, with workers following orders to stay away from their desks.
From River State in the South-South to Kaduna in the North-West, workers have decided that enough is enough. In Port Harcourt, airport workers blocked the entrance to the airport at 7:00 AM, forcing passengers to walk to the terminal. Flights are still taking off, but check-ins and boarding? Forget it.
Emmanuel Akagha, the local boss of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, explained that they let passengers into the airport because the road connects to some communities. How thoughtful. No checking in or boarding, though.
In Kaduna, it’s the same story. Students at Kaduna Polytechnic found themselves locked out. Labour officials arrived early, drove the students away, and locked the gates. The students are understandably worried, wondering how long this strike will wreck their academic calendar.
Labour leaders also locked down the National Ear Care Centre, sending patients packing. Seven ministries in Kaduna are also shut, with workers left outside looking bewildered. Banks? they’re closed too. The National Union of Electricity Employees even shut down the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company.
According to Abdullahi Danfulani, the TUC leader in Kaduna, they won’t back down until the Federal Government does “the needful.” Bold words, but are they practical?
In Lagos, the commercial hub, it’s no different. Government offices in Alausa are shut, and the usually bustling Monday morning streets are eerily quiet. The Lagos NLC chair is adamant they’re ensuring full compliance with the strike directive.
Ogun, Oyo, and Cross River states aren’t escaping this either. Federal Secretariat in Abeokuta is locked, and schools in Ibadan sent students home. In Cross River, everything from schools to fuel stations to banks is shut. The local NLC chairman blames the Federal Government for being out of touch.
Why It Matters
Now, Twitter is ablaze with people slamming the labour unions for shutting down the national grid. How are people supposed to watch the news about the strike with no power? Are the unions even thinking straight? Shutting down the national grid? It’s like we’re shooting ourselves in the foot.
And let’s be real, do you think the power outage affects politicians? They’ve got generators buzzing away while the rest of us sweat it out in the dark. It’s shameful that in trying to protect the citizens, we’re just causing more suffering.
Maybe the labour unions should rethink their strategies. Why not shut down hospitals next since we’re all so foolish?
Bottom Line
In the end, the strike isn’t hurting the government; it’s hurting the people. And that’s the real tragedy.
