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Workers Begin Strike In Five States, FCT Over ₦70,000 Minimum Wage

Published

3 hours ago

Dec 2, 2024.

Industrial action over the non-implementation of the ₦70,000 new minimum wage began Monday across five states—Ebonyi, Cross River, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Zamfara—and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as negotiations between state governments and labor unions remain unresolved.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in the FCT, workers in the six Area Councils commenced an indefinite strike following directives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

FCT NLC Chairman, Stephen Knabayi, criticized the Area Councils’ leadership for failing to implement the minimum wage despite repeated communications.

In Nasarawa State, the NLC declared readiness to strike despite a tentative agreement with the state government to pay ₦70,500, noting that no formal document had been signed. State NLC Chairman, Ismaila Okoh, affirmed, “If no progress is made by midnight, the strike will proceed.”

Kaduna State, which began paying workers ₦72,000 in November, remains embroiled in a dispute over consequential adjustments. The NLC maintains its stance on striking, while Governor Uba Sani’s spokesperson, Ibraheem Musa, argued that further adjustments would strain the state’s revenue, leaving insufficient funds for essential public services.

In Ebonyi, Cross River, and Zamfara states, labor leaders expressed frustration over stalled negotiations and lack of transparency. Ebonyi NLC Chairman, Dr. Oguguo Egwu, lamented that Governor Francis Nwifuru’s initial pledge in September had not materialized into actionable steps.

Similarly, Cross River’s NLC Chairman, Gregory Ulayi, revealed plans for indefinite industrial action unless the government fulfills its commitment. However, late Sunday night, the state reportedly reached an agreement to implement the new wage, leaving the strike’s status unclear.

While some states cited fiscal constraints, labor leaders criticized the delays, emphasizing the need for collective bargaining. With tensions escalating, the NLC urged governments to honor their commitments to avert prolonged disruptions.

The strikes underscore growing dissatisfaction among Nigerian workers as they demand equitable pay amid mounting economic pressures.