Workers shut n’assembly over minimum wage strike

Workers in the national assembly have shut down the complex in compliance with the strike declared by organised labour. 

The strike, called over a new minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariff, has paralysed economic activities across Nigeria.

The federal government had initially proposed a minimum wage of N48,000, N54,000, and N60,000 — but labour has insisted on N615,500 and then N494,000.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have cited the high cost of living as reason for the demand.

On Monday, workers under the aegis of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) blocked all the gates into the national assembly.

“I was there earlier, but I was turned back. I am back at home now,” one worker said.

The strike came hours after the leadership of the national assembly made a last-ditch attempt to stop labour from proceeding with the strike.

Speaking after the meeting with the leadership of the national assembly, Festus Osifo, TUC president, said the strike can only be called off after consultations with various labour organs.

“It is difficult and in fact impossible for us as labour leaders to call off the strike here,” Osifo had said.

“We need to communicate with our various organs, meaning that the industrial action starts on Monday as planned.”