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Labor Strike in Nigeria Suspended for a Week to Continue Discussions on Raising Minimum Wage

© AFP 2023 KOLA SULAIMONThe banner of the National Labour Congress (NLC) is seen at the gate of the Federal High Court of Nigeria after the Nigerian unions began an indefinite strike in Abuja, on June 3, 2024.
The banner of the National Labour Congress (NLC) is seen at the gate of the Federal High Court of Nigeria after the Nigerian unions began an indefinite strike in Abuja, on June 3, 2024. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 04.06.2024
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Nigeria's labor unions went on strike last Sunday to demand an increase in the minimum wage to N494,000 (about $330). Despite the fact that the government recognized the need to increase wages, it also noted that the 16-fold increase would place a heavy burden not only on the state budget, but also on small businesses, school fees for parents, etc.
Nigerian unions said on Tuesday they had suspended a nationwide strike to allow wage negotiations to continue after the country's president Bola Tinubu signed a deal with the union on Monday to raise the minimum wage.
"Strike action relaxed for one week to allow the conclusion of negotiation," one of the main unions, Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), said in a statement on X.
The Nigerian government and the Organized Labor reached an agreement after the government assured that Tinubu is dedicated to implementing a national minimum salary above N60,000 (a bit over $40).

"The president [...] is committed to a national minimum wage that is higher than N60,000. Arising from the above, the Tripartite Committee is to meet every day for the next one week with a view to arriving at an agreeable national minimum wage," Nigeria's presidency stated.

The news was announced following the meeting with the leaders of the NLC and the Trades Union Congress (they comprise the Organized Labor) in the country's capital, Abuja, which reportedly lasted almost six hours.
A worker holding a printed message takes part in a march to protest against the government's failure to agree on a new minimum wage during a rally in Lagos, on October 30, 2018. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 02.06.2024
Sub-Saharan Africa
Nigerian Workers' 'Indefinite' Strike to Raise Minimum Wage Begins on Sunday
An indefinite strike began last Sunday after labor unions failed to agree on a new minimum wage with the government. Many unions joined the strike, including the National Union of Electricity Employees. This led to suspension of electricity supply to consumers since the early hours of Monday across Nigeria, according to local media.
Moreover, the strikers cut off water and electricity from both houses of the National Assembly —the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Aviation industry workers also joined the strike, which threatened plans by Nigerian Muslims to travel to the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, which will take place this year from June 14 to 19.
However, the government stated that "no worker would be victimized as a result of the industrial action."
On Monday, another African country took a step to improve the situation of workers. According to local media reports, the Namibian Cabinet approved the decision of the Minister of Labor, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation to introduce a national minimum wage of 18 Namibian dollars (approximately $0.96) per hour starting in January 2025, to be reviewed after two years.
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