Nigeria Stops in Its Tracks: Labour Unions Strike Amid Record Inflation

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, faced nationwide disruptions as its largest labour unions went on strike demanding a substantial salary increase. This action responded to the highest inflation rate in 28 years, following economic reforms by President Bola Tinubu. The strike affected major sectors, including electricity and aviation.

Nigeria came to a standstill on Monday as its largest labour unions launched a strike, demanding significant salary hikes amid the worst cost of living crisis in decades. Major airports closed, and electricity was cut off as employees protested inflation, which is at a 28-year high.

President Bola Tinubu's recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, have exacerbated the financial struggle for many. In their fourth strike since Tinubu took office a year ago, workers shut down the electricity grid and obstructed efforts to restore power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria reported. Government offices and major airports in Abuja and Lagos also saw significant disruptions.

“We demand a living wage,” declared the Nigerian Labour Congress on social media. The unions advocate for a minimum wage rise from 30,000 naira ($20) to nearly 500,000 naira ($336), while the government has countered with an offer of 60,000 naira ($40). The proposed increase would dramatically swell the government's wage bill, risking economic instability according to information minister Mohammed Idris.