On June 2, 2024, Ikorodu News Network (INN) expressed its concerns over the ongoing nationwide strike in Nigeria, emphasizing that the industrial action should not cripple essential services such as electricity supply and productive activities across the country.
Workers nationwide have ceased their activities as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) initiated a strike in response to increased electricity tariffs and unresolved negotiations on a new minimum wage.
The strike has significantly impacted businesses, hospitals, airports, and power supply, creating a major setback for the nation.
The National Assembly’s last-minute intervention on Friday failed to resolve the issues, resulting in the continuation of the strike.
As a result, critical services and economic activities have been severely disrupted across various regions, from River State in the South-South to Kaduna in the North-West.
Airports across Nigeria, including those in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Lagos, have experienced significant disruptions.
In Lagos State, passengers were similarly stranded, with aviation unions locking the airport gates and denying access to staff and passengers.
The Abuja Airport also experienced an unusual quietness, with locked doors, empty terminals, and no staff in sight.
Ikorodu News Network’s opinion piece highlighted the nation’s current challenges, arguing that the strike exacerbates the existing difficulties.
The report urged the federal government to find a swift resolution and called on leaders not to use the strike as an opportunity to exploit vulnerable citizens.
“The nation is going through a lot as we speak. We shouldn’t allow this ongoing strike to present itself as adding fuel to an already blazing fire,” the opinion stated.
“While the federal government must swiftly put heads together to remedy the situation, leadership from numerous quarters should not take this as a medium to impoverish the grassroots at this point; it would be a callous decision.”
The INN also criticized the impact on power supply, noting that in an economy where petrol prices are already high, further disruptions are unacceptable.
The opinion concluded by urging Nigerians to be cautious during this sensitive period and to resist any attempts by opportunists to exploit the current challenges.
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