By Akinwale Kasali
The proposed Nationwide Strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC and other affiliate Unions has crippled business activities in some States around the Federation.
In Lagos, the commercial hub of the nation, the nationwide strike was adhered to by some affiliates of the NLC and TUC following the decision of the National Executive Council meeting of the labour unions, held on November 13, 2023, in Abuja, resolving to embark on the strike.
Some Banks in the State were under lock and key, while Rail Transportation was shut down as the National Railway Corporation, NRC, Union followed the NLC and TUC directives.
Segun Esan, the Secretary General, Nigeria Union of Railway Workers, said that the union was involved in the strike and no train was running as a result.
“In effect, therefore, all the workers of Nigerian Railway are duty-bound to join the nationwide strike action from zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November, 2023 by staying back at home and away from their offices.
“All the offices, stations, workshops, and entire premises of the corporation remain locked and inaccessible from zero-zero hour of Tuesday, 14th November, 2023, till otherwise directed by the Congress,” Esan said.
Also, the President of the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, Mr Oluwole Olusoji, said advice had been sent out to members on compliance.
He said that members had been advised to ensure the safeguard of lives and property from people who might be used to take undue advantage of the situation.
“We will continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds,” Olusoji said.
The Nationwide Strike is as a result of the alleged failure of the Federal Government to address issues affecting workers, such as the minimum wage, insecurity, corruption, and poor governance.
Also, both Unions had made some demands, which the Government had allegedly failed to address following the recent crisis in Imo that resulted in the alleged brutalisation of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and other members of the labour unions.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress also joined the nationwide strike in compliance with the directives of the national body of the union.
The primary, secondary and tertiary institutions also joined the strike.
It was observed that primary and day secondary school pupils who went to school as early as 7.30 am were compelled to return home as they did not meet teachers in the schools.
It was gathered that the strike has also affected operations in banks, hospitals, and other public places in the state.
Similarly, the Audu Bako State Secretariat, was also closed following the commencement of the strike, even though some workers who were not aware of the strike reported to work in the morning but had to return home later.
It was gathered that Students in Bayero University Kano who are currently sitting for their first semester examination are also affected by the strike as a number of them who went to the examination halls had to return to their respective hostels.
The Kano State Ministry of Education has also suspended the 2023 Secondary Schools Qualifying Examination scheduled to take place today, until further notice.
A statement signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment of the Ministry, Balarabe Kiru, revealed that the suspension is compelled by the industrial action embarked upon by the NLC and TUC nationwide.
The statement, however, appealed to the people concerned, especially students and parents or guardians, to bear with any inconvenience that may be caused by the suspension.
