Labour Union Disrupts Water Service to Senate and House of Representatives Amid Nationwide Strike
Abuja, Nigeria – June 3, 2024
In a significant escalation of the ongoing nationwide strike, members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have shut down the National Assembly. This action is part of the indefinite strike initiated by organized labor to demand a higher minimum wage and the reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
The union has temporarily suspended the provision of electricity and water to the structures housing the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as other amenities within the National Assembly compound. This disruption is expected to severely impact legislative activities.
This latest development follows a series of coordinated strike actions across various sectors. As previously reported, the entire country is experiencing widespread power outages after the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that the electricity workers union intentionally disabled the national grid. This resulted in a nationwide blackout that began in the early hours of June 3, 2024 .
Additionally, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has joined the strike, instructing university lecturers nationwide to participate in the industrial action. ASUU’s involvement underscores the broad support for the strike across different labor groups .
Healthcare services have also been affected, with nurses and midwives participating in the strike, adding further strain to an already challenging situation. This, combined with the suspension of flight operations at domestic terminals like Lagos Airport, has left passengers stranded and critical services disrupted .
In light of these developments, the government faces increasing pressure to address the demands of the labor unions. The disruption at the National Assembly signifies a heightened level of engagement from PASAN, signaling the seriousness of the unions’ demands and their readiness to escalate actions if necessary.
As the strike continues to unfold, further disruptions are anticipated, and the public is advised to stay informed and prepared for ongoing impacts on daily activities and services. The government’s response in the coming days will be crucial in determining the resolution of this nationwide industrial action.
