The handwriting is on the wall: Nigeria’s economy and education sectors are on the edge of collapse as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government (FG) to meet the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), with the deadline’s expiration threatening to bring the country to a grinding halt and plunge it into an unprecedented crisis.
This ultimatum follows ASUU’s two-week warning strike, which commenced on October 13, 2025, over unresolved demands, specifically the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, improved university funding, payment of salary arrears, and promotion arrears. In response, the Federal Government had threatened to invoke the ‘no work, no pay’ policy, asserting that lecturers would not receive salaries during the strike, while claiming to have made comprehensive offers addressing the key issues raised by ASUU.
The NLC strike has resulted in significant economic losses in the past, with estimates suggesting that the country loses approximately N50 billion daily to strikes. This translates to a substantial loss of revenue for businesses, governments, and individuals. The strike has also disrupted economic activities, with many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggling to stay afloat. With the current economic situation of Nigeria, the country is not ready to top this with the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) because it will further exacerbate the crisis.
The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has consistently championed workers’ rights and better working conditions, resorting to strikes when negotiations with the government fail. Notable instances include the 2023 minimum wage strike, where the NLC demanded a new wage amidst rising inflation, and a 2019 nationwide strike over border closures that resulted in economic losses.
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The NLC has also led strikes over fuel subsidy removal, electricity tariff hikes, and improved welfare packages. These actions often lead to significant economic losses and disruptions. Despite challenges, the NLC remains committed to protecting workers’ rights and promoting social justice, frequently clashing with the government over economic policy and workers’ welfare. By now, you should know that the strike warning announced by the NLC President Joe Ajaero on Monday, October 20, is not a joke.
With universities still reeling from the ongoing ASUU strike, an NLC strike would be catastrophic for Nigeria’s socio-economic fabric. To avert this crisis, the government should prioritize meeting ASUU’s demands, ensuring a swift resolution to the academic impasse, and preventing further instability. The government should engage in genuine dialogue with ASUU and NLC, prioritizing meaningful discussions to address core issues.
Implementing previous agreements, such as paying salary arrears and addressing university funding, can help build trust. The government should also allocate more resources to education, investing in infrastructure and promoting academic excellence. A holistic approach is needed to find a lasting solution that benefits all stakeholders. By taking proactive steps, the government can resolve the crisis and create a more stable education sector. This requires a willingness to listen and work towards mutually beneficial solutions.
