The Nigerian government and labour unions have reached a tentative agreement to end the ongoing nationwide strike over the minimum wage. After a six-hour meeting, the government offered to increase the minimum wage to over N60,000, and the labour unions agreed to consider the offer and end the strike. The strike, which began on Monday, has paralyzed economic activities across the country, with schools, offices, hospitals, and airports shut down.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between the government and labour leaders, including the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, and the President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo. The government’s offer is higher than its previous offer of N57,000, but still lower than the labour unions’ demand of N494,000.
The strike has had a significant impact on the country, with many Nigerians struggling to access basic services like healthcare and education. The government has urged the labour unions to return to the negotiation table, and the labour unions have agreed to consider the government’s offer.
The minimum wage dispute has been ongoing for several months, with the labour unions demanding a significant increase in the minimum wage to reflect the country’s current economic realities. The government has argued that the demand is unrealistic and would lead to job losses and economic instability.
The strike has also led to a blackout in many parts of the country, as electricity workers joined the strike. The Transmission Company of Nigeria reported that the national grid was shut down at 2:19 am on Monday, and grid recovery commenced at 3:23 am.
The agreement to end the strike is a welcome development, and Nigerians hope that the government and labour unions will reach a lasting agreement that addresses the country’s economic challenges.
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