The nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) began on Tuesday, showing partial compliance across various sectors of the economy. The strike, which started on November 14, 2023, is in response to alleged infractions on workers’ rights, including the assault on NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and the government’s failure to implement agreed-upon measures.
**Port Activities Grind to a Halt:**
Licensed customs agents and port users at the Apapa, Tincan Island, and other ports in Lagos experienced a complete shutdown of commercial activities due to compliance from the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria. The union cited various grievances, including the assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero, non-payment of salaries and pensions, and the government’s failure to implement agreements.
**Aviation Industry Opt-Out:**
The aviation industry opted out of the nationwide strike, citing a lack of preparations. Operations at major airports, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, continued without disruption. The aviation unions emphasized the need for coordinated decision-making, considering ongoing conferences and logistics challenges.
**Power Sector Records Partial Compliance:**
Power sector workers participated in the nationwide strike, with reports indicating that essential electricity workers were permitted to work at power stations. The acting General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees confirmed the withdrawal of services at various power stations. However, the Transmission Company of Nigeria clarified that reports of a national blackout were false, and the power grid was actively supplying electricity.
**NUBIFIE in Some States Join, Lagos Opts Out:**
The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees reported approximately 85% compliance in states such as Bayelsa, Kano, Osun, Edo, and Abuja. However, compliance in Lagos was reportedly low, with banks and other financial institutions opening for business. Efforts are underway to encourage union members in Lagos to join the strike.
**Potential Economic Loss:**
The ongoing nationwide strike could result in a daily economic loss of N25.93 billion for the Nigerian economy. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicates that the economic cost of a nationwide strike in 2012 amounted to N207.41 billion during an eight-day period. Extrapolating from this data, the potential daily economic loss in the current strike stands at N25.93 billion, highlighting significant economic implications.
The extensive array of participating unions, including those in education, healthcare, telecommunications, local government, judiciary, banking, maritime, electricity, parliamentary staff, and railway workers, underscores the far-reaching impact and solidarity characterizing the ongoing nationwide strike.
The compliance status across various sectors raises questions about potential implications and the government’s response to the workers’ demands. The ongoing strike has halted port activities, while the aviation industry opted out, citing logistical challenges and ongoing conferences. The power sector experienced partial compliance, with essential workers permitted to work at power stations.
The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees reported compliance in several states but noted low compliance in Lagos, emphasizing efforts to encourage union members to join the strike. The potential daily economic loss of N25.93 billion highlights the substantial economic impact of the ongoing labor action.
