Labor Union Strike Sees Nigerian Ports Cease Working

According to BusinessDay, Nigeria experienced a nationwide strike initiated by the labor unions on Monday, June 3. The strike is being led by the two primary labor federations, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), in response to the government's refusal to meet demands for a substantial increase in the national minimum wage.

The labor unions are calling for wages to be raised from $22 (N30,000) to $370 (N494,000) per month. Although the Nigerian government suggested doubling the current wages, the labor unions found this insufficient and commenced a nationwide strike, severely impacting the country's economy.

In solidarity with the strike, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria announced a complete shutdown of seaports across the country. Following directives from the NLC and TUC, workers at all ports, jetties, terminals, and oil and gas platforms were instructed to cease operations.

BusinessDay reported that major ports, including the Port of Lagos, Onne Port, Port Harcourt, the Port of Warri, and the Tin-can Island Container Terminal Limited in Lagos, remained closed on Monday due to the strike.

The labor protest has significantly disrupted Nigeria's economy, leading to a nationwide power grid failure, flight cancellations, interruptions in business and banking activities, and the closure of seaports. The length of the strike remains uncertain.