Nigeria: Labor unions plan nationwide strike November 6 /update 4

Event

Various labor unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the United Labour Congress (ULC) are planning to launch a nationwide indefinite strike on Tuesday, November 6. According to media reports, the National Industrial Council (NIC) ruled on Friday, November 2, that the TUC and NLC cannot carry out any industrial actions. However, union leaders claimed they were unaware of the ruling. Several aviation unions have also announced their support for the strike, threatening to shut down service at 00:00 (local time) on Tuesday. Fuel shortages are also possible if the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) unions join in the action. Businesses, schools, and transportation services could all be affected should the strike go ahead. Associated demonstrations are also possible in major urban areas.

Context

The unions are denouncing the government’s failure to implement a new national minimum wage within the agreed timeframe. A similar strike was held from September 27 through September 30, to demand a minimum wage increase from Naira 18,000 (USD 50) to Naira 50,000 (USD 135). Workers from private and public sectors participated in the strike leading to significant service disruptions, including to flight operations. 

Advice

Individuals present in Nigeria are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to anticipate a possible resumption in service disruptions in the event of strike actions. All protests or other large public gatherings should be avoided due to the risk of violence.  

In general, the security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly challenging in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to such areas.