Nigeria: Labor union calls for nationwide protests January 8

Event

The General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announced on Monday, January 7, that massive protests will be held across Nigeria on Tuesday, January 8, to demand an increase to the minimum wage. NLC leaders also said that the demonstrations are not a strike and that the union will alert the public if a work stoppage is planned. Exact details regarding the times and locations of the protests have not been released as of Monday evening (local time). Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all protest sites.

Context

On December 17, 2018, NLC leaders announced they would organize mass protests if the National Assembly failed to pass a bill on raising the national minimum raise by December 31. The union is calling for the minimum wage to be increased from 18,000 naira (49 USD) to 30,000 naira (82 USD).

Advice

Individuals in Nigeria are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.