Break the cycle of strikes

The wave of strikes and threats of industrial action by labour unions in Nigeria highlights a systemic failure in industrial relations, a lack of long-term planning for the nation’s workforce, and the erratic implementation of policy measures—particularly agreements between the government and labour unions. Amid growing concerns over unrest in tertiary institutions, the Academic Staff […]

The wave of strikes and threats of industrial action by labour unions in Nigeria highlights a systemic failure in industrial relations, a lack of long-term planning for the nation’s workforce, and the erratic implementation of policy measures—particularly agreements between the government and labour unions. Amid growing concerns over unrest in tertiary institutions, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) launched a two-week warning strike, disregarding appeals to reconsider. This action stemmed from the perceived indifference of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, who failed to act on resolutions reached during a meeting in December 2024.

While ASUU’s strike aimed to compel the minister to address welfare concerns, the decision to halt academic activities was arguably excessive and costly. Alternative strategic measures might have been more effective in drawing the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s attention to unresolved aspects of the 2009 Federal Government–ASUU agreement. Instead, the disruption of the academic calendar and the forced absence of students from campuses for two weeks created avoidable tension and setbacks. It is gratifying that the university teachers have shelved the industrial action, at least in the interim.

The consequences of such industrial actions are far-reaching. The loss of productive man-hours and the psychological toll on students, parents and institutions are severe. Repeated strikes not only undermine the stability of Nigeria’s education system but also erode public confidence in the government’s ability to manage labour relations effectively. A more proactive and collaborative approach is urgently needed to prevent future disruptions and restore trust between stakeholders.

In 2025 alone, there have been as many as nine strikes and warnings of strikes. Several labour unions have had bitter experiences with the government. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Lagos State protested illegal salary deductions. The Medical Guild, also in Lagos, embarked on a three-day warning strike over unresolved issues with the state government. Similarly, the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) threatened nationwide industrial action due to the exclusion of non-clinical staff from the proposed retirement age extension for medical personnel.

Other medical bodies also took industrial action. The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) went on a five-day warning strike in September. The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) began an indefinite strike, which was suspended on September 19, 2025.

Beyond the medical sector, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) threatened strike over several issues, including the non-implementation of palliatives meant to cushion the effects of the government’s harsh economic policies. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the FCT was on strike from March to July 2025 due to the non-payment of the new minimum wage and five months of salary arrears. The strike was suspended in July after the FCT Administration began paying the national minimum wage with devastating effect on the education of thousands of primary school pupils.

It is apparent that mutual suspicion often characterises negotiations between the government and industrial unions. In many instances, the government maintains an unhealthy silence on agreements, fails to pay salaries and allowances, withdraws circulars on agreed issues, or pays benefits selectively—leaving segments of the workforce feeling cheated. Additionally, there are often no reliable mediation or arbitration panels to resolve disputes.

These issues highlight the absence of a robust industrial relations policy in Nigeria—one that could foster harmony between employers and employees and ensure timely implementation of agreements. They also underscore how the country’s labour practices rarely align with international standards. Labour unions in many African countries do not embark on industrial actions as frequently as those in Nigeria.

Over the years, we have consistently advocated that the government must demonstrate genuine commitment to agreements reached with labour unions. One critical way to achieve this is by ensuring that the financial implications of such negotiations are adequately captured in the country’s annual budgets. All organs of government involved in the implementation of these agreements must recognise the importance of releasing funds in accordance with the terms agreed upon with the unions.

Key officials—including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Accountant-General of the Federation—must be actively involved in the process. Their collaboration is essential to ensure that funds are released promptly, thereby preventing threats of strikes, warning strikes, or even full-scale industrial actions. Government representatives who negotiate with labour unions must exhibit seriousness and integrity. When officials fail to follow up on the implementation of negotiated agreements, it erodes workers’ confidence and signals a lack of concern for their welfare.

Labour unions, on their part, should not always resort to strikes as the first response to industrial disputes. We encourage them to explore alternative mechanisms such as peaceful protests, rallies, and town hall meetings. Legal avenues—including filing lawsuits against relevant government agencies and seeking court injunctions—can also compel compliance with negotiated terms. Additionally, unions can lobby the National Assembly and engage neutral third parties to facilitate dialogue and resolve disputes.

Strikes often project instability and disrupt national progress. It is imperative that both the federal government and labour unions commit to collaborative efforts aimed at ending the cycle of industrial unrest and fostering a more stable and productive labour environment.