In a significant escalation of the ongoing industrial action, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has sharply criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other labour groups for shutting down the national grid.
Onanuga stressed that such actions would have faced severe repercussions under a military regime.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced the complete shutdown of Nigeria’s power grid by labour unions as part of the nationwide strike initiated by the NLC and TUC on Monday.
The strike is in protest against the Federal Government’s proposal of a N60,000 minimum wage.
In a statement released on Monday morning, TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah confirmed the deliberate shutdown of the national power grid by the striking workers. This drastic measure has plunged the country into darkness, exacerbating the existing challenges in power supply.
Reacting to the development during an interview with TVC News, Onanuga emphasized that while Nigeria operates under a civilian regime that permits freedom of expression, the labour leaders had overstepped their authority.
“Labour should view itself as a partner with the Federal Government, not as an adversary to the Federal Government,” Onanuga said.
He further remarked, “Labour should be thankful to God that we are not in a military regime. We are in a civilian regime that allows for freedom of expression. I think that labour overstepped their bounds by shutting down the national grid. At a time when we are complaining about the lack of power, I think that act is extreme. You’re not supposed to shut down the airports on everyone else. Joining the strike should be voluntary.”
Onanuga also appealed to the labour unions to exercise greater responsibility in their demands and actions. “I will appeal to labour to be more responsible in their reaction. They cannot be asking for what they are asking for. It is unrealistic.”
The ongoing strike and the shutdown of the national grid highlight the growing tension between the Federal Government and labour unions over wage disputes and economic policies. As the situation develops, the impact on the country’s infrastructure and daily life remains a critical concern for all stakeholders involved.