Schools, Health Sector Shot Down in Port Harcourt as NLC & TUC Commences Strike

In Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, Nigeria, the commencement of a nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on June 3, 2024, has led to the shutdown of schools and the health sector. This strike was declared over the tripartite committee’s inability to agree on a new minimum wage and the reversal of electricity tariff hike.

The nationwide strike has resulted in a widespread disruption of services, with the education sector and healthcare facilities among the most affected areas. The NLC and TUC have called for the strike to demand a new minimum wage that better reflects the current economic realities in Nigeria. They argue that the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 can no longer cater to the wellbeing of an average Nigerian worker, and not all governors are paying the current wage award which expired in April 2024.

However, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has described the strike notice by the NLC and the TUC as “premature, ineffectual, and illegal”. Fagbemi pointed out that the unions failed to issue a mandatory strike notice of a minimum of 15 days as required by law. He also reminded them of an interim injunctive order granted on June 5, 2023, by an Abuja court, which restrained the NLC and the TUC from embarking on any industrial action.

Despite the legal challenges, the strike has gone ahead, leading to a shutdown of schools and health services in Port Harcourt and other parts of the country. The impact of the strike is expected to be significant, with potential disruptions to various sectors including banking, aviation, and electricity supply. The government and the unions are yet to reach a resolution, with the NLC and TUC adamant about their demands.