BREAKING: NLC strike cripples commercial activities in Benue

The nationwide strike declared by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has commenced in Benue State.

It was observed that all government offices and banks across the state capital were closed around 10:00 am on Monday.

Earlier, on Saturday, the state President of the NLC, Terngwa Igbe, had announced that the state chapter would participate in the strike. The offices of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the Benue State Teaching Service Board were found locked during a visit.

Civil servants from Benue were also denied access to the state Secretariat in Makurdi, adhering to the strike order. Additionally, a power outage in the state suggests that electricity workers have also joined the strike.

Most filling stations in the state capital remain closed, presumably due to the nationwide strike. However, commercial town service buses and motorcycles continue to operate normally in Makurdi.

A resident of Makurdi, speaking anonymously, warned that if the government does not resume negotiations with the labour unions, the strike will persist. They urged the government to swiftly conclude negotiations with the labour union to mitigate the strike’s adverse effects on the populace.