Issue and Opponent: The Nigerian government failed to increase salaries despite a dramatic increase in the cost of living. Since 1941, the cost of living in Nigeria increased by over 200% due to the consequences of WWII. The allowances the Nigerian government implemented to help offset the costs benefitted European officials and not Africans, adding an element of cronyism to the issue. Thus, African workers had been affected by the rise in the average cost of living while receiving little increases in wages to offset them.
Dilemma Action: Workers and unions organized a strike that lasted for 44 days in the capital of Nigeria and 53 days in outlying regions. It was the first Pan-Nigerian anti-colonial struggle for national independence. The action was organized and executed by workers. It was also widely publicized by politicians. The majority of transportation between localities shut down, leaving walking and biking as the only means of transportation. In all, the economy was effectively shut down. The strike grew to include 200,000 workers and 17 labor unions.
Outcomes: The action broadened the struggle for Nigeria’s independence to a national affair. The strike is considered a watershed movement of worker activism and a struggle for national independence. Nigeria would not gain independence until 1960, but the strike would effectively paralyze the economy and the capital for days. The strike is considered the most effective and devoting blow against colonialism in the country since independence.