Workers in Six States, FCT Set to Strike Over Non-Payment of Minimum Wage
Written by Jerry Alomatu on December 2, 2024
Workers across six states—Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Cross River, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Kaduna, and Zamfara—may begin an indefinite strike today due to the failure of state authorities to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage.
Despite ongoing negotiations, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chapters in the affected states have expressed readiness to proceed with industrial action.
FCT Workers on Strike
The FCT NLC directed workers in the six Area Councils to down tools starting December 1, citing non-compliance with the National Executive Council’s communiqué dated November 14. Chairman Stephen Knabayi faulted council chairmen for failing to respond to demands despite ample notice.
Nasarawa’s Conditional Situation
Nasarawa workers were similarly notified to strike, though NLC Chairman Ismaila Okoh acknowledged a tentative agreement with the state government to pay ₦70,500. However, no formal document has been signed, leaving workers prepared to strike if no progress is made by midnight.
Kaduna Implements Wage Amid Dispute
Kaduna State announced it had commenced paying workers ₦72,000, but the state NLC chairman, Ayuba Suleiman, confirmed the union’s intention to strike. The state government, however, dismissed claims of non-compliance, arguing the issue lies in consequential adjustments beyond the minimum wage.
A statement from Governor Uba Sani’s office highlighted the strain on resources, with the wage bill rising from ₦5.4bn to ₦6.3bn, leaving limited funds for other public services. “It is unreasonable for the government to spend over 90% of its revenue on just about one per cent of the population,” said Chief Press Secretary Ibraheem Musa.
Ebonyi’s Unrealized Promises
In Ebonyi, NLC Chairman Dr. Oguguo Egwu criticized the state government for announcing the new wage without engaging in proper collective bargaining. Workers are set to observe a one-week warning strike, starting today.
Cross River and Zamfara Prepared for Action
Cross River workers, initially planning to strike, reportedly reached a late-night agreement with the government to implement the minimum wage. However, clarification on whether the strike would proceed was unavailable at the time of this report.
Zamfara workers, meanwhile, remain set to join the industrial action, citing the government’s failure to pay the new wage.
The NLC had directed workers in 14 states and the FCT to strike from December 1 if the wage was not implemented. Many states, including Katsina and Kaduna, have offered to pay more than the mandated ₦70,000, but disagreements over consequential adjustments and lack of formal agreements have delayed implementation.
The strikes underline the tension between labor demands and the financial constraints faced by state governments, raising questions about resource allocation and the sustainability of the new wage policy.
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Author: Jerry Alomatu
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