Since President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023, Nigeria has been gripped by a wave of protests and strikes. The primary catalyst has been economic policies that have dramatically increased the cost of living and wages, leading to widespread discontent among citizens and labor groups.
Inauguration and Controversial Economic Measures
On his first day in office, President Bola Tinubu pledged to revitalize the economy and restore investor confidence. However, his declaration that “fuel subsidy is gone!” immediately sparked anxiety. The budget for 2023 did not allocate funds for the fuel subsidy beyond June, raising questions about whether this was a sudden policy shift or a planned move.
Initial Protests and Strikes
The removal of the fuel subsidy led to soaring fuel prices and higher living costs, igniting protests and strikes from June 2023. The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress led the charge, demanding wage hikes and better economic conditions.
August Negotiations: A Temporary Respite
A significant strike was called off on August 2, 2023, following negotiations between the unions and President Tinubu. The specifics of the agreements reached were not disclosed, leaving many questions unanswered.
Escalation and Nationwide Strikes
In September 2023, NLC President Joe Ajaero issued a stern warning of a “total and indefinite shutdown” if the government did not meet their demands. Tensions escalated further when Ajaero was attacked in Imo State during a protest, prompting a nationwide strike declared for November 14, 2023.
Airport Shutdown
In December 2023, the NLC and TUC escalated their actions by disrupting operations at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, grounding flights to Owerri in response to the assault on Ajaero.
Widespread Protests in Niger State
By February 2024, economic conditions had worsened, leading to protests in Minna, Niger State. Residents barricaded roads, expressing their frustration with the rising cost of living under Tinubu’s administration.
Temporary Suspension of Protests
On February 27, 2024, the NLC suspended a two-day nationwide protest, claiming their objectives had been achieved on the first day. However, the underlying economic grievances remained unresolved.
Renewed Protests and Indefinite Strike
On May 31, 2024, the NLC and TUC announced an indefinite strike to start on June 3, 2024. This decision came after the government failed to raise the proposed N60,000 minimum wage during tripartite committee negotiations in Abuja.
Deadlocked Meetings and Strike Commencement
Despite multiple meetings, including a four-hour session with the National Assembly and the Executive Arm, no agreement was reached. This impasse led to the commencement of the nationwide strike on Monday morning, June 3, 2024.
As Nigeria navigates this period of economic turmoil and labor unrest, the government’s next steps will be crucial in determining the country’s path forward. The ongoing strikes and protests underscore the urgent need for effective economic policies that address the pressing concerns of Nigerian citizens.