To the amazement of the body, apart from pockets of rallies and protests in some cities, most Nigerians across the country went about their normal business with blithe regard for the strike.
What could have gone wrong? I remember the heydays of nationwide strike in Nigeria, when Adams Oshiomhole was the leader NLC. Highways turned into soccer pitches, banks and schools were closed, everyone remained at home and the nation was at a standstill.
A number of factors have been fingered as the possible causes for the poor performance of the planned strike by the NLC.
1. Division within the house
There are presently two opposing faction within the NLC and during deliberations over the planned strike, one faction supported it while the other did not. This division was the first flaw that marred the strike action. For the NLC to remain relevant, it has to put its house in order, united and strong. As the old saying goes, a house divided against itself cannot stand.
2. NLC estranged from the people
Majority of the people no longer perceive the NLC as a body that is dedicated to furthering the rights of Nigerian workers. The body has been immensely estranged from the people and has consequently lost its hold and power of influence. This is because the NLC has been silent for a long time, while Nigerians languished in poor working conditions and victimization.
3. Subsidy Removal Ended Petrol Scarcity
The removal of petrol subsidy by the federal government has somewhat proven to be the solution to the incessant shortage and hoarding of petroleum products by filling station. Now that the subsidy have been removed, queues have vanished and Nigerians can now buy petrol freely in spite of the price.
4. Faith in Buhari's Government
This could also be one of the reason why most Nigerians did not join the strike. Though it has been turbulent for the country, a number of people are still auspicious that Buhari's government has good plans for Nigeria in even present hardships and challenges.
5. Strike is an old method
Some people are also of the opinion that a nationwide strike in no longer fashionable in our contemporary society. They believe that Nigeria has outgrown that stage and that the NLC has to look for other ways of influencing government policies to the benefit of workers.
In summary, the Nigerian Labour Congress has to devise ways to be more connected to the Nigerian workers. The body should fight for better working conditions, reasonable wages, and address the general complaints of workers. With these, the NLC will be able to restore its lost glory and increase its influence on the masses. But for now, the planned nationwide strike is a flop
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6. NLC is also now partisan Where the key members are now politically connected to the ruling party
ReplyDeleteThe fourth reason is what majority of Nigerian thought for abandoning the strike.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your effort anyway. But writing on a subject that you do not have a thorough grasp of the core issue can be problematic. You call a strick in which the university two main trade unions and the civil service in the country are involved failing?. It is even sad that Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state was even among those talking glibly on tele about negotiating and appealing to labour. It is sad. We all know the story in Osun state. Next time you right do dealer reserche and have a free and liberal disposition. By the way, who were those behind the division in labour union ab initio? Get all these into perspective lest you misled and misinform the public. Thank you Bros. Long live Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteRight anonymous 8:35pm my question is why the fuel is available after the removal of fuel subsidy?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete6. Nigerians are hungry, therfore they choose to go hustle for food, unlike in 2012 when food was surplus.
ReplyDeleteThis government have starve even the "sai baba" to submission.