The nationwide indefinite strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress has had severe repercussions for individuals living with underlying health conditions like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Bernard Enyia, the National Coordinator of Persons Living with Diabetes in Nigeria, expressed concern over the impact of the strike on this vulnerable group. He emphasized that while the strike may seem legitimate, it has left those with underlying health conditions unable to access essential healthcare services, leading to serious complications and risking avoidable deaths.
Enyia criticized the reliance on strikes to resolve wage issues, stating that Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, should seek alternative methods for addressing such matters. He lamented that strikes essentially leave individuals with health emergencies at the mercy of fate, without access to necessary care. Enyia urged both the NLC and the Federal Government to prioritize negotiations and reach a compromise rather than resorting to strikes, which endanger the lives of those with underlying health conditions.
Furthermore, Enyia highlighted the lack of compensation for families who suffer the loss of loved ones due to strikes being called off, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate approach to resolving labor disputes.