The Federal Government has urgently summoned a meeting of the tripartite committee to discuss the new national minimum wage.

This meeting, organized by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4.

The previous meeting on May 31 ended abruptly when the labor negotiation team walked out. This walkout occurred because the government and organized private sector (OPS) refused to increase their offer of N60,000.

Sources indicate that tomorrow’s meeting will start at 10 am. The government is reportedly concerned about the high level of compliance and participation in the first day of the nationwide strike.

Meanwhile, the unions have effectively shut down the country’s electricity sector in response to the strike order. Dominic Igwebike, Acting General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees, confirmed that the power sector had been shut down.

Loading activities at fuel depots in Lagos have also ceased, according to the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.

However, all loaded trucks were allowed to leave the depots, including those at aviation terminals, for safety reasons. “We don’t want to keep a loaded truck within the depot because it is highly flammable,” a labor leader explained.

Similarly, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has halted port operations across the country. An official from the union told Vanguard, “Besides Lagos ports, all other port formations in Port Harcourt, Warri, Onne, Calabar, and others have been closed. They will remain shut until further notice from the national leadership of organized labor.”

The strike’s impact is widespread, affecting various sectors across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory. Government buildings, businesses, and other operations have been significantly disrupted.

The federal government has emphasized the severe consequences of labor’s demands, with the presidency warning of potential economic fallout if the demands are met. The government hopes that the upcoming meeting will help find a resolution and end the strike.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the tripartite committee meeting tomorrow. The outcome could determine the next steps for both the government and the striking workers.