Succession of strikes threaten Nigeria courts and hospitals

Strikes in Nigeria are threatening to overwhelm a number of sectors, including hospitals and the judiciary.

Over the past week, Africa’s biggest economy has seen a succession of unions start indefinite strikes in quick succession.

Resident doctors have been striking since the beginning of the month, demanding better benefits for the increased risk of working on the frontlines during a pandemic.

On Tuesday members of the judiciary, lecturers at polytechnics and some civil servants all started industrial action.

Their demands vary from wanting financial autonomy for the courts, to unpaid salaries.

These strikes come at a tricky time for the Nigerian government as President Muhammadu Buhari is out of the country for a medical check-up.

The economy is just emerging out of its second recession since he came to power, and food inflation is the highest it’s been in twelve years.

The strikes come amid sluggish economic growth and rising inflation as the country’s economy has struggled during the pandemic.

The fall in the price of oil in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, and an early lockdown have been blamed for the poor economic performance of Africa’s biggest oil exporter.

But critics also point the finger at the current administration and its handling of the public purse.

This article originally appeared on BBC Africa

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