Travellers Stranded as NLC Strike Shuts Down Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Travellers intending to fly from Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s domestic terminal found themselves stranded as all entry points were blocked today due to the NLC strike.

This disruption is due to a strike organized by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

A video circulating online shows frustrated passengers expressing their dismay at being unable to access the airport. 

All entry points to the domestic terminal at Lagos Airport are currently inaccessible as passengers are left stranded due to the ongoing labour strike, resulting in the suspension of all flight operations. pic.twitter.com/pCtoodfOT7

— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) June 3, 2024
NLC Strike Video

The strike has led to the suspension of all flight operations from the airport, causing significant inconvenience to travellers.

The labour unions initiated the strike to demand an increase in the minimum wage. They are pushing for a new minimum wage of N494,000, while the Nigerian government has offered N60,000, a proposal far below the unions’ demands.

In a last-minute attempt to avert the strike, leaders of the National Assembly met with labour representatives yesterday. 

However, the meeting ended without a resolution, and the unions proceeded with the planned industrial action. 

TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo stated that the strike could not be called off without consulting union members. 

“It is difficult and, in fact, impossible for us as labour leaders to call off the strike here. We need to communicate with our various organs, meaning that the industrial action starts on Monday as planned,” he said.

As the strike continues, its impact is being felt across the nation, highlighting the ongoing tensions between labour unions and the government over wage disputes. 

The situation remains unresolved, leaving travellers and other affected parties in a state of uncertainty.

What Netizens Are Saying About the NLC Strike

Twitter netizens are airing their complaints about this NLC strike.

KhadijaGarba19: Sadly, strikes are the only serious language our government/politicians recognize.

They rushed to increase their salaries, but now that it’s time for the masses to receive, they’re proposing 60K.

What will 60k monthly solve for the average human? How much is food? Rent? Hospital bills? School fees?

400k might not be achievable but NLC should not fold for anything beneath 100k.

@kingkhone4real: The demand by labour leaders is unrealistic. It seems to me that this 400k wage demand is politically motivated

Ola: I said it.. This NlC leadership need tutorial from Oshiomole. Oshiomole NLC did not block airports or schools. He chose quiet industries where disruptions would impact both the wealthy and the poor.

He shuts off the fuel supply first, followed by banks and other establishments