18 Sep 2017 | 01:19 PM UTC
Nigeria: Indefinite nationwide strike to begin Sep. 18
The United Labour Congress (ULC) calls for indefinite nationwide strike to begin September 18; potential protests and associated unrest
Event
The United Labour Congress (ULC) has called for indefinite nationwide strike to begin on Monday, September 18. The strike is expected to impact the electricity, oil and gas, aviation, and railways sectors. The government has said that the strike is illegal. Localized protests are possible, along with clashes between strikers and security forces.
Context
The ULC is a splinter group of Nigeria’s main labor movement, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and is made up of 12 unions which represent the oil and gas, telecom, banking, electricity, and aviation sectors. The ULC does not represent a high percentage of workers in the aforementioned sectors, hence any impact may not be significant.
The ULC is currently demanding an increase in minimum wages, as well as a review of the sale of a state-run power firm. The union has also reportedly called for the withdrawal of armed force personnel from the country’s oil installations.
Advice
Individuals in Nigeria should be prepared for disruption to various sectors, including potential interruption to rail travel. As a precaution, any demonstrations should be avoided due to the risk of associated violence.
On a general note, the security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.
