Nigerian labour unions have rejected the government’s offer of a six-month provisional wage increase of $32 (£26) for all workers and are set to go on strike on Tuesday.
The unions are demanding a monthly wage of $255 (£210) to help deal with the rising cost of living, which has soared since President Bola Tinubu took office in May.
The government made a number of concessions in an attempt to avert the strike, including extending the provisional wage increase to all workers, regardless of their income level. However, the unions are still not satisfied with the offer.
Background
Nigeria’s economy is the largest in Africa, but it is also one of the most unequal. The country has a large population of poor people, and many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet.
The rising cost of living has been exacerbated by the government’s recent removal of fuel subsidies, which kept the price of petrol low. This has led to a sharp increase in the price of goods and services.
The labour unions are demanding that the government address the rising cost of living and improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians. They are also calling for a new minimum wage to be negotiated.
What next?
It remains to be seen whether the government and the labour unions will be able to reach a compromise before Tuesday’s strike deadline. If the strike goes ahead, it could have a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy and could lead to widespread disruption.
Additional background for international readers
Nigeria is a country in West Africa with a population of over 200 million people. It is a major oil producer, but its economy has been struggling in recent years due to low oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Nigerian naira has lost over 50% of its value against the US dollar in the past five years. This has made it more difficult for Nigerians to afford imported goods and services.
The labour unions in Nigeria are very powerful and have a long history of fighting for workers’ rights. They have played a key role in Nigeria’s political development and have been at the forefront of many of the country’s major strikes.
The upcoming strike (should it go ahead) is likely to be one of the largest in Nigeria’s history. It could have a significant impact on the country’s economy and could lead to widespread disruption.
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