Nigeria plunged into darkness as union workers shut down national grid in minimum wage protest
Nigeria faced a major shutdown as union workers halted operations at the national grid
and disrupted air travel on Monday. This strike, orchestrated by the Nigerian Labor Congress
(NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), stems from failed wage negotiations. The
government’s offer to double the minimum wage was rejected by the unions, further intensifying
the standoff. The impact of the strike is profound, particularly in critical sectors such as
healthcare, where facilities are struggling to function without electricity. Meanwhile, the
government has declared the strike illegal, and public opinion remains sharply divided. Amid
economic difficulties, including high inflation and controversial government spending, the
situation highlights the deep economic and social challenges that Nigeria faces.
See "Nigeria plunged into darkness as union workers shut down national grid in minimum wage protest", Nimi Princewill, CNN, June 4, 2024