Labour Unions order federal workers to strike

In a move that has sent shockwaves across the nation, the leadership of Nigeria’s major labour unions has issued a controversial stay at home directive to all federal workers, effective from midnight on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

According to this drastic action on June 1, which threatens to paralyze government operations nationwide, comes in the wake of failed negotiations with the federal government over long standing wage and benefit disputes.

The Strike order: A Last Resort or Political Power Play

The circular, signed by the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union, leaves no room for ambiguity.

All federal chapters are to stay at home “until further notice,” a move that underscores the unions’ frustration after what they describe as “unfruitful meetings” with the Minister of Labour and Employment.

At the heart of the dispute

Read three key demands:

• Payment of five months’ wages award arrears
• Implementation of a ₦70,000 National Minimum Wage
• Immediate application of the 25/35 percent salary increase for federal workers

The unions argue that the government’s persistent delays and broken promises have left workers with no choice but to embark on a total shutdown.

But critics are already questioning whether this strike is truly in the best interest of the workers or if it is being weaponised as a political tool in the ongoing power tussle between labour and the federal government.

Government’s Response: Indifference or Incompetence

The government’s apparent inability or unwillingness to meet the unions’ demands has fueled suspicions of either bureaucratic incompetence or a calculated attempt to undermine labour’s influence.

The Minister of Laboure and Employment, who was tasked with conciliating the dispute, has so far failed to broker a deal, leaving millions of federal workers in limbo.

Some analysts suggest that the government is deliberately dragging its feet, betting that public frustration with service disruptions will eventually turn against the unions.

Others see the impasse as evidence of a cash-strapped administration unable to fulfill its promises amid mounting economic pressures.

Fallout: Public Services on the Brink

As the strike takes effect, the consequences are already being felt nationwide.

Hospitals, schools, immigration offices, and other essential government services are grinding to a halt.

The ripple effect will be severe: millions of Nigerians face delayed medical care, disrupted education, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Social media erupts as Nigerians blame government and unions, calling ordinary citizens pawns in their standoff.

Some say workers deserve fair pay, but total public service shutdown punishes those unions claim to represent.

The Controversy: Who Really Pays The Price

The controversy surrounding this strike runs deep.

On one hand, the unions are demanding what they see as basic rights.

Payment for work already done, a living wage, and fair salary increments in the face of rising inflation.

On the other hand, the government’s failure to act raises uncomfortable questions about fiscal responsibility and political will.

The real losers, Nigerians, face indefinite hardship as leaders trade accusations and refuse to compromise.

Critics accuse government and unions of playing politics with lives, leveraging strikes for concessions ahead of political talks.

A Call for Transparency and Accountability

Wahalaupdate urges government, unions prioritize ordinary Nigerians’ interests now.

Lack of negotiation transparency, no resolution timelines, and public service collapse signal broken system.

If the government cannot meet its obligations, it must be honest with the public about the reasons why.

If unions act in good faith, they must ensure their actions don’t disproportionately harm those they protect.

As the strike enters its first days, the stakes could not be higher.

Will government heed workers’ demands or bet on public fatigue breaking unions?

Will the unions remain united, or will cracks begin to show as the pressure mounts?

One thing is clear: Nigeria is once again at a crossroads, with millions of lives hanging in the balance.

Wahalaupdate will continue to provide in-depth coverage and analysis as this controversial strike unfolds.

For now, the nation watches and waits caught between hope for justice and fear of prolonged chaos.

Stay with wahalupdate for the latest on this developing story.