By Milcah Tanimu

The nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) disrupted the Abuja-Kaduna Train Services (AKTS) on Monday. As reported by Naija News, the train service was suspended due to the ongoing dispute between the government and organized labour over the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

There was no train movement from either Idu (Abuja) or Rigasa (Kaduna) stations.

Confirming the shutdown, Comrade Yusuf Kazeem, chairman of the Abuja Union of Abuja-Kaduna Train Services (AKTS), stated that no trains operated in or out of Abuja on Monday. He assured that passengers were not left stranded as they had been informed in advance about the suspension of services and tickets were not sold.

“There is total compliance throughout the system as there is no train movement. Passengers were not stranded because we sent a message to inform them that there would be no train service,” Kazeem explained. “Most of our tickets are sold online and the portal was not opened for passengers to buy tickets, which indicated that we were not available for service. Some passengers called to complain about their inability to buy tickets, and we used the opportunity to inform them about the strike, so passengers did not bother coming to the station.”

He also noted that AKTS workers boycotted work in solidarity with the strike. “Our staff too did not come to work because they are aware of the strike,” he added.

Further updates on the situation are expected as the strike continues.