Strike: PASAN Stops Water, Electricity Supply to NASS

This action affects the Senate, the House of Representatives, and other facilities within the National Assembly compound.

PASAN, under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), joined the strike following the May 31, 2024, ultimatum issued by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) regarding the new minimum wage.

Despite a meeting on Tuesday between the Federal Government and organized labour, negotiations broke down when the government and organized private sector raised their offers to N60,000. This was a slight increase from the initial offer of N57,000. However, the labour unions dismissed the offer, reducing their own demand from N497,000 to N494,000.

A follow-up meeting on Friday also failed to reach an agreement, with the government refusing to increase its offer beyond N60,000. In response, the NLC declared a nationwide indefinite strike, which commenced on Monday.

NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the government’s approach to the negotiations, highlighting the absence of key government officials during the discussions. “No governor was present and ministers were absent except the Minister of State for Labour and Employment who doubles as a conciliator. There was none present on the side of the government with the appropriate authority to commit them to any outcome; in essence, the government abandoned the meeting. We consider this disdainful and shows a lack of commitment to a successful National Minimum Wage negotiation exercise,” Ajaero stated.

The disruption of essential services at the National Assembly underscores the gravity of the situation and the determination of the labour unions to press their demands. As the strike continues, the impact on government operations and public services is expected to intensify, putting further pressure on both sides to reach a resolution.