A nationwide strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has plunged the country into a state of paralysis, disrupting critical services and economic activities.
The industrial action, triggered by grievances over the hike in electricity tariffs and the absence of consensus on a new minimum wage, has left a trail of chaos across various sectors.
Airports Grind to a Halt:
At airports in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Lagos, operations came to a grinding halt as workers under aviation unions barricaded entrances, impeding vehicular access and leaving passengers stranded.
Despite the blockade, flights continued to operate, albeit with limited access to terminals and heightened security measures.
In Port Harcourt, the Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, Emmanuel Akagha, explained that while passengers were permitted entry due to road connections, check-in and boarding services remained suspended.
Education Sector Disrupted:
Public schools nationwide were forced to shut their doors as students were sent back home in compliance with the strike directive.
In Abuja, Kaduna, and so many other states, the strike’s impact was palpable, with students of public schools facing unexpected closures and disruptions to their academic schedules.
At Kaduna Polytechnic, students were locked out of the campus by labour officials, sparking concerns about the potential impact on their educational pursuits.
Healthcare Services Paralyzed:
Hospitals were not spared from the strike’s reach, as labour leaders sealed off the main gates of healthcare facilities, preventing access to both staff and patients. In Kaduna, the National Ear Care Centre was among the institutions affected, with outpatients being turned away amidst the labour-led shutdown.
Government Offices Locked:
Government offices, including state secretariats and federal establishments, bore the brunt of the strike, with workers locked out and operations suspended.
According to Channels Television report, in Kaduna, the state secretariat witnessed a complete shutdown, with workers barred from accessing the premises by labour union leaders. Similar scenes unfolded in Edo, Imo, and Lagos states, where civil servants were denied entry to their workplaces, disrupting administrative functions and business continuity.
Nationwide Blackout:
The strike’s impact extended to the energy sector, with workers under the National Union of Electricity Workers (NUEE) shutting down power substations across the country, resulting in a nationwide blackout. The transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed the shutdown, attributing it to the complete cessation of operations by NUEE members.
Economic Disruption:
The strike’s ripple effects were felt across the economic landscape, with businesses, banks, and fuel stations complying with the shutdown directive.
In Lagos, the commercial heartbeat of the nation, government offices were deserted, and business activities ground to a halt, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of the labour unrest.
As the strike enters its first day, the nation braces for further disruptions and uncertainties, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and resolution to avert prolonged socio-economic disruptions.