As the standoff between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Government over the proposed minimum wage intensifies, Nigerian citizens have taken to social media to urge the labour union not to disrupt the national grid during any potential strike action.
The NLC has firmly rejected the government’s offers of ₦62,000 or ₦100,000 as the new minimum wage. Assistant General Secretary Chris Onyeka described these figures as “starvation wages” in an interview on Channels Television on Monday. “Our position is very clear. We have never considered accepting ₦62,000 or any other wage that we know is below what we know can take Nigerian workers home. We will not negotiate a starvation wage,” Onyeka stated.
The NLC is demanding a ₦250,000 minimum wage, which Onyeka termed “enough concession to the government and the other social partners in this particular situation.”
As the one-week grace period given to the federal government expires by midnight on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Nigerians have taken to social media to express their concerns about the potential impact of a nationwide strike on the power sector.
“Okay good, do not touch the national grid. Please, I am begging you,” tweeted @TaoFeek182. Another user, @Ishow_leck, echoed this sentiment, stating, “You guys should do whatever you want to do, but please keep off from the power grid this time. Let’s all sit home and relax peacefully.”
The calls to spare the national grid stem from the widespread disruption caused by a recent power outage, which left many Nigerians without electricity for extended periods.
“If NLC is going for a strike and National Grid/electricity is going with them, they might start losing the support of the masses. NLC should be smart about this, please. You need the support of the people to be able to pressure those in power,” cautioned @KhadijaGarba19.
Nigerians have also cited the potential impact on essential services, with @Letter_to_Jack appealing, “Do what you have to but keep your hands off the National Grid this time. For the sake of some of us who want to watch Euros and other patriotic citizens who care about people in hospitals who need light in the ICU. Thanks and God bless.”
Despite these appeals, some Nigerians support a more aggressive approach. @Emmanuelkalu546 said, “Shut down the national grid.” While @AdeyemiGCFR wrote, “Awesome. Let’s shut down everywhere, firstly, the National Grid!”
Consequently, @Dambatta_1 stated, “#62k as salary is an insult to the intelligence of the Nigerian workers. The NLC should resume their relaxed strike immediately. Shut down the National Grid, Airports, Banks, Train Stations, NNPC, CBN and Co. Let them bring the country to a standstill.”
Furthermore, Joseph Umoh, @umohjoe, expressed frustration with the government, saying, ”Very insensitive Government! You never settle with the poor Nigerian people, yet you increase Chief Justice wages by 300%! Please, if putting off the National Grid will make them listen, GO AHEAD! Aluta continua!!”
