The cost-of-living crisis in Nigeria demands urgent trade-union and state action, but workers must organise to push for this, reports a Nigerian socialist

In Nigeria, the practice of democracy often feels distant from its intended outcomes, leaving citizens grappling with the harsh realities of daily life. Under the Tinubu-led presidency, the benefits of democracy remain elusive for many.

One of the most pressing issues facing Nigerians today is the relentless rise in the cost of living. Every day seems to bring a new challenge, with essential goods and services becoming increasingly unaffordable. The removal of fuel subsidies on petrol, from July 2023, sent shockwaves through the economy, causing a ripple effect that inflated prices across the board. Simultaneously, a hike in electricity tariffs compounded financial burdens, leading to high utility bills that strained household budgets. It’s become a bitter joke among Nigerians that they now pay for the very air they breathe, so profound is the impact on their daily expenses.

Official food inflation of over 40% over the last year has pushed millions from poverty to hunger.  There is widespread anger and there were a series of apparently spontaneous street protests a few months ago.

The need for militancy

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the main trade union of the federation, a body which advocates for fair wages and living standards, has struggled to assert its influence. When the union demanded for a minimum monthly wage of N250,000 (£125), the government countered it and proposed a meagre sum of N62,000 (£31) —a figure that does not reflect the actual cost of living. To illustrate the harsh reality, a Socialist Labour correspondent undertook a poignant experiment: shopping with N62,000 to gauge its adequacy for feeding a family of six (father, mother and four children). The results were stark; it provided barely enough food to sustain a family for a few days, rather than a month.  Let alone the cost of other basic necessities like utilities and healthcare.

Faced with such dire circumstances, the NLC initiated a strike to protest against the government’s stance. However, the momentum of resistance was short-lived, as the strike was swiftly called off the next day. Weeks after, Nigerian workers are yet to know their fate, as the NLC and the government are silent on the issue. The union states that it is pursuing negotiations through ‘due process’. 

It is obvious that the government can meet the N250,000 demands of the NLC. Sadly, they would rather lavish the money on fancy cars, and allowances that run into the millions.

Beyond the economic hardships that Nigerians face every day, the absence of effective advocacy and leadership has increased the level of insecurity and frustrations. The rate of crime and violence are steadily on a rise.

What then is the way forward? 

How can Nigerians demand the dividends of democracy from their leaders? How do we get the NLC to do the right thing?

• We must demand and engage in peaceful protests and marches, holding the government accountable for their promises.
• Through petitions and public scrutiny, we will pressure leaders of NLC to act and demand that the government approves a living wage. 
• Through grassroots education on civic rights and responsibilities as well as engaging actively in unions where their voices will be heard, citizens will continue to rise to make their demands.

Amidst these trials, there remains a resilient spirit among Nigerians, a determination to reclaim their rightful place in shaping a future where democracy serves as more than a mere illusion.