The dust has barely settled on the recent NLC/TUC strike which rocked the country following the breakdown in negotiations over a new minimum wage
While Nigerians debate the unions’ tactics (deemed by many as “brutish” and “inhumane”), the true cost of the near 48-hour shutdown is only beginning to be understood.
The situation took a dramatic turn when, amidst the indefinite strike, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported a forceful takeover of the national power control room at 2:19 am.
This led to operators being forced away and the shutting down of at least six substations, plunging the country into darkness.
Nigerians woke on Monday, June 3rd, to a nation in turmoil. Essential services like airports, hospitals, and schools faced forced closures, further compounding the economic woes according to analysts.
The Labour Unions defended the shutdown, arguing it was a necessary escalation to pressure the government to address their demands for a higher minimum wage and a reduction in electricity tariffs.
Legal Debates
Award-winning journalist Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, in a now-viral video, highlighted the apparent illegality of shutting down essential services by citing sections of the Trade Unions Act.
“Miscellaneous Offenses Act: tampering with electric plants, works… Any person who unlawfully disconnects, removes, damages, tampers, meddles with, or in any way whatsoever interferes with any plants, cables, works, wire, or assembly of wire designed for use or transforming or converting electricity shall be guilty of an offense liable on conviction to be sentenced to imprisonment for life…”
This has reignited discussions on appropriate avenues for unions to express grievances.
However, a legal practitioner, Arome Abu, believes the only way to prevent the unionists from shutting down the essential services in the future is to take out the EXCEPTION in Section 2(3)(g)(vii) Terrorism Act 2022 which states that the disruption of water or electricity supply is an act of terrorism except in the pursuance of an industrial action.
“Senate wade in — some excessive actions
Shortly after the Labour unions suspended the nationwide strike on Tuesday which they said would resume after five working days if the federal government fails to meet their demands on the minimum wage and the electricity tariff, Nigeria’s Senate expressed its dissatisfaction over the unionists’ decision to shut down the essential services.
Describing the unionists’ decision as “some excessive actions” and “economic sabotage” the country’s upper chamber in a plenary yesterday said it would soon enact a law that would prevent the unionists from tampering with power grid and airports. The Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio stated that the laws would be reflected in the new National Minimum Wage Bill expected from the executive very soon.
Finding a Solution
The government, meanwhile, has signaled a willingness to discuss the minimum wage as they have offered to pay above the initial N60,000 proposed.
However, not much has been said on the electricity tariff hikes, which government has explained is necessary citing the need for infrastructure improvements.
While some support the Senate’s proposed legislation, others worry it could curtail workers’ rights to strike.
Experts suggest independent mediation could help bridge the gap. Additionally, exploring alternative protest methods, such as targeted demonstrations, could minimize economic disruption.
