By Chris Ekpenyong

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed recurrent strike actions led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), primarily aimed at demanding an increase in   minimum wage.

While the intent behind these strikes is noble—seeking to improve the living standards of Nigerian workers, the effectiveness of such actions has come under scrutiny.

Evidence suggests that striking has often failed to bring sustainable economic benefits or significant policy changes. Instead, a paradigm shift towards building a robust, diversified economy may offer a more viable solution for the long-term prosperity of Nigerian workers.

Striking as a means of protest has a long history in Nigeria.

However, its efficacy in achieving lasting economic reforms is questionable.

Going on strike is not the answer, it has never worked before and it may not work now it only has short-term benefits.  

Short-term disruptions and strikes disrupt economic activities, leading to short-term losses that can exacerbate the financial hardship of workers. Prolonged strikes can result in decreased productivity, loss of investor confidence, and overall economic stagnation.

Also, if you check the response of government  you will realize that historically, the Nigerian government has often responded to strikes with temporary measures to pacify the labour force without implementing substantive economic reforms.

Measures such as minor wage adjustments do not keep pace with inflation or improve the overall economic environment.

But the core issues plaguing the Nigerian economy, such as poor infrastructure, corruption, and lack of diversification, are not addressed by strikes. As a result, even if temporary wage increases are achieved, the underlying economic problems remain unsolved.

But there’s a way out to achieve sustainable improvements in workers’ livelihoods. The NLC should consider advocating for comprehensive economic reforms rather than focusing solely on wage increases.  

We should advocate for  constant power supply. This is the most critical factor for economic growth, stable and reliable power supply. Without it, industrialization and technological advancements are severely hindered. The NLC could push for policies that prioritize the modernization and expansion of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

Nigeria’s over-reliance on crude oil has left its economy vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations. Diversification into other sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, and manufacturing can create more job opportunities and foster economic resilience.

We should be pressing for industrialization because developing Nigeria’s industrial base is essential for transforming the country from a consuming to a producing nation.

We can’t take away agriculture and solid Minerals, because we all know that before the discovery of crude oil, Nigeria’s economy thrived on agriculture and mining. Revitalizing these sectors can generate substantial revenue and employment. Encouraging modern agricultural practices and efficient exploitation of solid minerals can provide a steady income stream and support rural development.

Before the discovery of crude oil in the 1950s, Nigeria existed and everyone was fine.

Labour should stop the agitation for wage increases and start asking the big questions:   WHAT HAPPENED?  Yes, what happened to  Kaduna Textile Limited (KTL), United Nigeria Textile Limited (UNTL), Asaba Textile Mills,Asaba and how can the government bring back  Ajaokuta Steel Company, Ajaokuta, Delta Steel Company (DSC) Aladja, Volkswagen Nigeria Limited, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN).Steyr Nigeria Limited, Bauchi.

If we were to be on the street, we should be on the streets because we want a revitalization of   Nigerian Paper Mill (NPM),Jebba, Nigeria Newsprint Manufacturing Company (NNMC), Oku-Iboku, Nigerian National Paper Manufacturing Company, Iwopin

Our strike should be for Dunlop Nigeria Plc,Ikeja, to come back again  

Michelin Nigeria Ltd, Delta Glass Company, Ughelli,  and Arewa Glass Company, Kaduna.

We should be asking about the status of the   Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), Kano Tannery Complex, Kano, Aba Shoe Factories, Aba, National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO),Itakpe, Pamol (Nig.) Limited, Calabar, and Presco Plc, Benin City.

These industries, if revived, could significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic development by creating jobs, enhancing local production, and reducing dependence on imports.

Because in an inflating economy, no amount of money is enough because the price of goods and services will still be going higher daily  

The only path to a prosperous Nigeria lies not in the temporary relief of wage increases through strike actions but in the establishment of a stable and diversified economy. The Nigeria Labour Congress has a pivotal role to play in this transformation. By advocating for constant power supply, economic diversification, and industrialization, the NLC can help create a sustainable economic environment that benefits all Nigerians. Recalling the nation’s rich history of agricultural and mineral wealth, there is a clear roadmap for future prosperity that does not solely rely on crude oil. Embracing this vision can turn Nigeria into a producing nation, ensuring lasting improvements in the quality of life for its citizens.

Like a wise man once said, insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

Labour shouldn’t labour in vain.  

•Ekpenyong, a former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, represented Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District. He writes from Uyo