Nigerian workers could be heading for another nationwide strike as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) issue a strong warning to the federal government over the rising wave of insecurity across the country. The two major labour centres made the threat during a joint media briefing on the sidelines of the ongoing 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
NLC and TUC Speak Out in Geneva
NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC leaders told journalists that they would not hesitate to embark on industrial action if the government fails to decisively tackle terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings that have continued to displace communities and disrupt daily life.
They stressed that insecurity has now become a major threat to decent employment and economic productivity. Farmers can no longer go to their farms without fear, traders avoid interstate travel, and many workers risk their lives just commuting to work. The labour leaders said the situation has reached a point where the government must act urgently before it is too late.
Link Between Security and Economy
In their briefing, the unions noted that the current level of violence is directly affecting the economy. They pointed out that when people live in fear, productivity drops, businesses suffer, and the country’s development is stalled.
The NLC and TUC also used the platform to reject what they described as unverified claims about a new N100,000 minimum wage. They demanded fresh negotiations for a realistic national minimum wage ahead of the July 2027 deadline. No specific date has been given for the proposed strike, but the unions said they would consult widely with their affiliates and monitor the government’s response in the coming days.
Public Reactions Trail the Threat
The development has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While many Nigerians support the move, saying enough is enough, others are worried about the impact another strike could have on the already struggling economy.
Some citizens have urged the labour leaders not to delay, arguing that the government has paid little attention to the daily killings and abductions in several states. As of the time of filing this report, the federal government is yet to issue an official response to the latest threat from NLC and TUC.
Political observers say the warning adds fresh pressure on the Tinubu administration, which has been battling multiple security and economic challenges since taking office. The coming days will show whether the government will take concrete steps to address the unions’ concerns or risk another nationwide industrial action.
