By Milcah Tanimu
the mixed compliance of the nationwide strike organized by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
1. **Mixed Compliance Across States:**
– The strike showed varied compliance across different states in Nigeria.
– Some states experienced a complete shutdown of activities, including banks, public schools, and courts.
– Other states witnessed partial compliance, and a few states did not comply with the strike directives.
2. **State-Specific Compliance:**
– States like Lagos, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Kebbi, and Edo experienced compliance with the strike directives.
– In Kano, banks and schools were shut down, and qualifying examinations were suspended.
– Imo recorded partial compliance with banks open for business.
– Enugu and Abuja saw workers defying the industrial action, and some sectors continued normal operations.
3. **Divergence in Universities:**
– The public universities’ response to the strike varied, with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) supporting the strike, while the Congress of University Academics (CONUA) directed its members to shun the action.
4. **Government Warning and Legal Action:**
– The Federal Government had warned against the strike, obtaining a restraining order from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
– Labour leaders expressed satisfaction with the compliance level and insisted that the strike was not a personal matter, citing various issues affecting workers.
5. **Sector-Specific Compliance:**
– Major sectors like Maritime, Food, Beverage, Tobacco, Chemical, and Non-metallic Products complied with the strike.
– Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) directed its members to join the strike.
6. **Expectations and Impact:**
– Labour leaders anticipated increased compliance in the coming days.
– Some states experienced the shutdown of public offices, schools, and banks, while others saw only partial compliance.
7. **Response from Officials:**
– TUC President dismissed reports of any meeting with the Federal Government.
– ASUU directed its members to join the strike, while CONUA instructed its members not to participate.
8. **Observations in Specific States:**
– In Lagos, banks and train services were grounded.
– In Osun, schools were shut down with increased police presence.
– In Kebbi, all labour affiliates complied, shutting down offices and social facilities.
9. **Imo State Situation:**
– The strike in Imo recorded partial compliance, with civil servants reporting for duty, and banks were open for businesses.
10. **Controversy and Criticism:**
– The government accused the strike of being an ego trip and an attempt to blackmail the government, a claim refuted by the NLC.
11. **Response from Labour:**
– Labour defended the strike, emphasizing the need to address issues such as minimum wage, insecurity, corruption, and poor governance.
12. **Special Note on University Affiliation:**
– CONUA distanced itself from the strike, citing lack of communication and incomplete affiliation processes with TUC.
13. **Additional Issues:**
– Other grievances included outstanding salary arrears, unjust declaration of ghost employees, unsettled gratuities, non-compliance with the minimum wage act, and the declaration of ghost retirees.
In summary, the strike led to varied compliance levels across different states and sectors, with ongoing debates and controversies regarding the motives and impact of the industrial action.
