Memories of past protests, marred by police brutality, the use of sponsored thugs to incite violence, and the deployment of the military, loom large over the 2024 strike. The Nigerian people, having learned from history, are adamant that these tactics will not be repeated. Nigerians have been quick to be taken for granted because, like in the last Buhari administration, the government instilled fear in the people, using police and security forces to suppress dissent.
President Bola Tinubu: Lead with Empathy, Not Force During This Strike—The World Is Watching Closely. Respect the People’s Voice in This Protest: Avoid the Catastrophic Pitfalls of Past Leadership. This Is Your Defining Moment to Avoid Disaster.
As the clock strikes midnight on June 3, 2024, Nigeria embarks on a nationwide strike, testing the nation’s resolve and the psychological resilience of its people. The strike, initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), responds to the government’s failure to finalize a new national minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariffs. This action underscores the growing frustrations among the working class, who face escalating living costs without a corresponding increase in wages. This action is not merely a labor dispute but a profound expression of collective frustration against economic hardship and the perceived insensitivity of the political class. The current minimum wage of N30,000, established in 2019, becomes obsolete in April 2024, as inflation and rising costs render it insufficient for basic needs. Initial negotiations see the government offer N48,000, later increased to N54,000 by the Organized Private Sector (OPS), and then marginally to N60,000. However, these offers are deemed inadequate by the labour unions, who demand a minimum wage of N615,000, reflecting the true economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers.
The strike highlights the psychological impact of economic disparity and the ethical responsibilities of leadership. The exorbitant salaries of Nigeria’s political elite, juxtaposed with the modest demands of the labour unions, expose a stark ethical dilemma. The psychological burden of such disparity weighs heavily on the populace, fostering a sense of injustice and eroding trust in the nation’s leadership. The ethical imperative for fairness and empathy becomes a rallying cry, challenging the government to address the plight of the working class with urgency and compassion.
The 2024 strike in Nigeria intertwines deeply with the legacy of the #EndSARS movement, which galvanizes the nation in 2020. #EndSARS is a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s recent history, a youth-led protest against police brutality, particularly targeting the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). This movement swiftly expands its scope, encompassing demands for good governance, economic reforms, and a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s institutions, plagued by systemic corruption. Striking similarities exist between the #EndSARS protests and the 2024 strike. Both movements are born out of a deep frustration with the status quo, characterized by economic hardship, government insensitivity, and a yearning for change. The #EndSARS movement highlights the use of violence and intimidation by state actors against peaceful protesters, a tactic that the 2024 strikers are determined to prevent from being repeated.
The #EndSARS movement teaches Nigeria several critical lessons. It demonstrates the power of peaceful protest and the importance of a unified voice in advocating for change. It also exposes the vulnerabilities of a system that responds to dissent with violence and suppression. The movement’s aftermath, marked by both achievements and unfulfilled promises, serves as a cautionary tale for the 2024 strikers, who are acutely aware of the need for vigilance and the pursuit of tangible outcomes.
Memories of past protests, marred by police brutality, the use of sponsored thugs to incite violence, and the deployment of the military, loom large over the 2024 strike. The Nigerian people, having learned from history, are adamant that these tactics will not be repeated. Nigerians have been quick to be taken for granted because, like in the last Buhari administration, the government instilled fear in the people, using police and security forces to suppress dissent. However, not this time; you can’t kill us all. The demand for a peaceful and just resolution is unequivocal. President Tinubu, as the nation’s leader, is called upon to ensure that the rights of the protesters are protected and that any attempts to disrupt the peace are met with justice. The era of using violence and manipulation to suppress dissent is declared over, with the people’s resolve to protect the sanctity of their democratic rights.
The strike brings into sharp focus the role of the police and military in a democratic society. The Nigerian people demand that the police exercise restraint and professionalism, protecting the protesters while maintaining law and order. The military, it is insisted, should remain in their barracks, their presence on the streets viewed as a threat to peace and a symbol of past abuses. The government is urged to prioritize dialogue and non-violent conflict resolution, ensuring that the strike remains a peaceful expression of the people’s will.
The right to protest, a fundamental pillar of democracy, is fiercely defended. Attempts to declare the strike illegal or to impose restrictions on the protesters are met with resistance. The Nigerian people assert that peaceful protesters should not be required to seek permission to voice their grievances. Judicial independence is emphasized, with any attempts to influence the judiciary seen as an affront to democratic principles. The courts are called upon to uphold the rights of the people and to resist any pressures that undermine their independence.
The stark contrast between the exorbitant monthly salaries of Nigeria’s leaders, particularly those in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and the modest demands of the labour unions, highlights a profound ethical dilemma. The psychological impact of such disparity on the general populace cannot be understated. It breeds a sense of injustice and erodes trust in the leadership, exacerbating the psychological distress caused by economic hardship.
The strike presents President Tinubu with a defining moment, a test of his leadership and his commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians. The tactics of the past, characterized by aggression and suppression, are rejected outright. Instead, the nation looks to its leader to engage in meaningful dialogue, to address the root causes of the strike, and to implement policies that bridge the economic divide. The call for ethical leadership is a call for a new Nigeria, one built on transparency, peace, and equality.
For far too long, Nigerian governments have employed tactics to pit different labor organizations against each other, fostering discord among regions and ethnic groups, and using intimidation to maintain control. These tactics have also extended to compromising NGOs to speak out against strikes and protests. However, the populace is now psychologically aware of these divisive strategies, rendering them ineffective. The Nigerian people, having recognized these tactics, are more united than ever in their resolve to advocate for change and justice. This newfound awareness has empowered the nation’s workforce and civil society to stand together, demanding reforms and a better future for all Nigerians. It is essential to note that Nigerian House of Representatives and Senators receive exorbitant monthly salaries compared to their counterparts globally, yet they take Nigerian workers for granted. They are quick to use police and security forces to divide and silence workers, but not this time; the world is watching.
For decades, Nigerian governments have utilized divisive tactics to create rifts among labor organizations, stoke regional and ethnic tensions, and deploy intimidation as a tool for maintaining control. These strategies have even involved compromising NGOs to publicly oppose strikes and protests, furthering the government’s agenda. However, the Nigerian populace has become acutely aware of these manipulative tactics, stripping them of their effectiveness. This psychological awakening has led to an unprecedented level of unity among the Nigerian people, who are now more determined than ever to advocate for change and justice.
It is crucial to highlight the stark contrast between the exorbitant monthly salaries enjoyed by Nigerian House of Representatives and Senators, which far exceed those of their global counterparts, and the disregard shown towards the Nigerian workforce. The leadership’s quick resort to using police and security forces to divide and silence workers is a strategy that has been relied upon for too long. However, the narrative is shifting. The world is watching, and the Nigerian people are no longer willing to be taken for granted.
This newfound awareness has empowered the nation’s workforce and civil society, fostering a sense of solidarity and a collective demand for reforms. The Nigerian people are standing together, united in their resolve to challenge the status quo and to advocate for a better future for all Nigerians. The use of divisive tactics to silence dissent is no longer tolerated, as the people’s call for justice and equality grows louder.
The international community’s attention is now focused on Nigeria, observing how the government responds to the legitimate demands of its workforce and civil society. The global stage is witnessing the resilience of the Nigerian people and their unwavering commitment to peaceful protest and advocacy for change. This international spotlight adds pressure to ensure that the government’s actions are transparent, just, and aligned with the principles of democracy and human rights.
The Nigerian people’s awareness of historical divisive tactics and their unity in the face of adversity mark a significant turning point. The empowerment of the workforce and civil society, coupled with the international community’s watchful eye, create a unique opportunity for meaningful change. The government is called upon to heed the people’s demands, to engage in constructive dialogue, and to implement reforms that address the root causes of the strike. The path forward is one of unity, justice, and a shared commitment to building a better Nigeria for all. The path out of the crisis requires a holistic approach, one that addresses the economic, social, and political challenges facing Nigeria. It involves not only negotiating a new minimum wage but also reimagining the nation’s economic policies to ensure equitable growth. The government is urged to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, to create jobs, and to protect the most vulnerable. The strike is a clarion call for a more just and equitable Nigeria, a call that resonates with the hopes and aspirations of its people.
The 2024 strike in Nigeria is a watershed moment, a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. It is a demand for economic justice, ethical leadership, and a reaffirmation of democratic rights. President Tinubu and the government are called upon to heed this demand, to lead with empathy and integrity, and to build a Nigeria that truly reflects the aspirations of its people. The strike is not just a challenge but an opportunity, a chance to forge a new path forward, one that leads to a more prosperous, peaceful, and just Nigeria.
Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at Weldios University, Nexus International University, and Walden University. [email protected]