Nigerian activist Aisha Yesufu has sharply criticized the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for suspending their indefinite nationwide strike.
The organized labor unions had initiated the strike on Monday, June 3, to protest the Federal Government’s refusal to approve their proposed new minimum wage. As a result, public offices and institutions were shut down by workers enforcing the strike.
However, following an emergency meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and other government officials, the labor unions decided to suspend the strike on Tuesday, June 4.
In response, Aisha Yesufu expressed her discontent in a video posted on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account, questioning the effectiveness of the strike. She argued that the action yielded no tangible results and that the labor unions and the government had yet to reach a proper agreement on the minimum wage issue.
“You have made everybody miss their flights and disrupted everything, preventing people from traveling,” Yesufu said. “At least if something positive comes out of such actions, you would know that your sacrifice was not in vain. But when nothing is achieved, what is the point?”
Yesufu noted the growing distrust among the public towards the labor unions, despite her previous calls to give them a chance. “You have not even reached a proper agreement, so what are you suspending the strike for? Many people are suffering. How can someone be earning as little as 60,000 Naira a month? It’s really crazy, especially when the government doesn’t provide basic necessities like food and shelter.”
She further questioned the legitimacy of the agreement signed during the meeting, speculating whether it was done under duress. “They signed an agreement yesterday, and there is nothing substantial in it. I’m just wondering if they signed the agreement under pressure.”
Yesufu’s criticism highlights the ongoing frustration among Nigerians regarding the unresolved issues of fair wages and the effectiveness of labor actions in addressing these concerns.
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