The NLC and TUC’s fight for a substantial minimum wage in Nigeria is a fight that will benefit many Nigerians.
However, it will not come without a price.
The government’s failure to reach an agreement with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had pushed the unions to declare an indefinite strike.
This strike, which is considered a fight for all has affected Nigerians in so many ways.
Indeed, when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.
NLC And TUC Warnings To Nigerians
Perhaps, these are the little sacrifices Nigerians must pay to succeed in the fight.
Before now, the NLC and TUC had already apologised to Nigerians for the inconveniences this strike may cause them.
However, what needs to be done, must be done.
The nationwide strike was slated for Monday, June 3, 2024.
Interventions by stakeholders and even the National Assembly fell on deaf ears as the NLC and TUC stood their ground.
‘60,000 Naira minimum is an insult to the country’s workforce and that is final’.
The Blackout
Some people may have thought of the planned strike as another stunt by the NLC and TUC.
It was until the shutting of the national grid that Nigerians knew that the NLC and TUC were not bluffing.
As we speak, people in some parts of the country are chilling in darkness.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), on Monday morning announced that its workers had deliberately shut down Nigeria’s power grid.
Also Read: Indefinite Nationwide Strike: Blackout As Labour Shuts Down Power Grid
This is just one of the many effects this nationwide strike will have on Nigerians.
Stranded Nigerians
Well, the blackout in the country seems to be a tip of the iceberg.
Nigerians were also left stranded in Lagos and other cities as airports were closed.
Nigerian students are not left out.
This is as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) joined the strike.
In Kano, reports of patients being stranded at hospitals also surfaced.
It was reported that doctors in the state have also joined the strike.
Reason to Celebrate
The truth of the matter is that, it is Nigerians that will suffer these effects more.
Our politicians are not affected by any of these things, many have their children schooling abroad, and many receive medical treatment abroad.
In fact, many of them use private jet for their trips, so you see, the common man is once again left at the losing end.
However, if this fight ends up yielding the desired results, then Nigerians will no doubt have cause to celebrate.
