The industrial action declared by the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has paralysed economic and other activities in Calabar, the Cross River state capital.
Blueprint reporter, who went round the Calabar metropolis for the on-the-spot assessment of the strike situation observed that government offices, banks, petrol stations, government schools were shut.
Also, Margaret Ekpo International Airport remained under lock and key.
Blueprint reports that this may have worsen the already bad fuel situation in the capital as motorists packed their vehicles by the roadside and roamed the streets with jerrycans looking for where to buy fuel.
Passengers, in their numbers were seen along major streets, like the Murtala Muhammed highway, waiting for hours for taxi or minibuses to convey them to their destinations.
Also, students were driven away by angry teachers from schools.
Even petty traders, particularly food vendors who normally sell their wares close to the now-locked government offices, lamented their fate as there were no worker on hand to patronise them.
Addressing Journalists, the NLC chairman in the state, Comrade Greg Olayi, said the state chapter of the Organised Labour was all out to ensure the strike succeeds optimally.
Olayi said this shortly after mobilising his members to shut down government offices, banks, filling stations and Margaret Ekpo International Airport Càlabar.
“We just left the office of Head of Service (HOS), couple of minutes ago to ensure that there is compliant with directive of the national.
“Apart from those on essential duties like fire service and others we expect total compliance. We are moving round to ensure that every one adheres to the directives of our national body,” he stated.
As at the time of filling this report, the situations hadn’t changed even as the Labour leaders said they were determined never to accept the N60,000 which government was offering as minimum wage.