https://allafrica.com/stories/202009240153.html
The Nigerian government has recently raised the price of petrol, along with the tariff on electricity. Nigeria is a mono-economy, as the economy is completely dependent upon oil. Additionally, an increased minimum wage was established back in April of 2019, but it has yet to take effect in 8 states so far, resulting in outrage from the people. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have decided to protest and diminish activity in Nigeria if the Nigerian government doesn’t undo their raise in prices. The NLC plans to hold a nationwide rally if the government doesn’t meet the ultimatum released by the TUC, when a strike will additionally be held throughout the country. The congress has made an appeal to countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and others throughout the world to put a visa ban upon corrupt politicians from Nigeria because of the issues they’ve caused within the country.
This article highlights ongoing human rights issues in Nigeria. The fact that the minimum wage hasn’t been raised, even though it was passed by the president of the country as a law over a year ago, shows a lack of control over the state governments by the national government. Additionally, the rise in the price of fuel in a mono-economy where oil is the main focus will cause a ripple effect throughout the entire country. If people cannot afford to buy gas and other oil products, this will have a negative effect on both consumers and producers. Travel would likely decrease because of an increase in the price of travel- this applies to car, train, and plane travel. Additionally, a visa ban enforced upon certain politicians could result in further hostility from the government towards the TUC and NLC. Businesses will suffer as well, because the cost of transporting materials will skyrocket. Overall, this increase in fuel price and the electricity tariff will end with a halt to social and economic activity, inflation, and prevalent corruption.
The issues presented in this article relate to what we’ve begun talking about in class through basic concepts/terminology. The Nigerian government is having discrepancies with some of the states making up their country. Additionally, the Nigerian Labour Congress is a Non-Governmental Organization, as it is a private organization focusing on economic efforts within the country. This also relates to International Relations through the category of International Economics. Many countries purchase oil from Nigeria, primarily European countries but also the United States. The increase in fuel price and potential economic fail of Nigeria will affect these consuming countries.