Workers Across Six States Set to Strike Over Non-Implementation of N70,000 Minimum Wage
2 min read
Workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Cross River, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Kaduna, and Zamfara states are set to begin strike action today (Monday) unless last-minute negotiations lead to an agreement on the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed that, despite ongoing talks in some states, its members are prepared to down tools due to the failure of state authorities to meet the demand for the new wage.
In the FCT, the NLC had already directed workers in the six Area Councils to commence an indefinite strike on December 1, as the local authorities failed to act on the NLC’s earlier communique. The NLC leadership had called for industrial action across 14 states, including the FCT, over the non-implementation of the minimum wage.
The Nasarawa State NLC, led by Chairman Ismaila Okoh, also warned of a strike unless the state government finalizes the implementation of the new wage. Though the state government has agreed to pay N70,500, no formal agreement has been signed. Okoh stated that the union will proceed with the strike if no documents are signed by midnight.
In Kaduna, the state government has already begun implementing the new wage, with the lowest-paid worker receiving N72,000. However, the local NLC chapter, led by Ayuba Suleiman, confirmed its intention to follow the national NLC directive to strike. While the state government has complied with the National Minimum Wage Law, the NLC is pushing for further salary adjustments, which the government argues would stretch its limited budget.
The state government has explained that, despite an average monthly revenue of N12bn, including federal allocations and internal revenue, the increase in the wage bill from N5.4bn to N6.3bn, along with loan deductions, leaves limited funds for other essential services.
In Ebonyi, the NLC chairman, Dr. Oguguo Egwu, stated that workers were directed to begin a one-week warning strike from today due to the failure of Governor Francis Nwifuru to implement the new wage. Egwu emphasized that, despite promises from the governor in September, no official agreement or communication had been made to implement the wage.
Zamfara State workers, led by NLC Secretary Ahmed Abubakar, also confirmed they would join the strike due to the non-payment of the new minimum wage. Although dialogue continues with the state government, the workers have expressed frustration with the delay.
In Cross River, the NLC chairman, Gregory Ulayi, stated that workers would embark on an indefinite strike unless the government implements the new wage. However, reports suggest that the state government reached an agreement with the NLC and TUC late on Sunday night to pay the N70,000 minimum wage. It remains unclear whether workers will still strike, as officials have not yet provided confirmation.
The situation remains fluid, with the NLC calling on state governments to urgently resolve the issues to avoid widespread industrial action.
About The Author
