Minimum Wage Strike Cripple Three States and the FCT

Minimum Wage Strike Cripple Three States and the FCT.

 

The ongoing industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage has significantly disrupted government activities across three states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The strike has seen state offices shut down and sparked fiery reactions from leaders, including Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, who threatened stern measures against striking workers.

 

 

 

Governor Nwifuru Issues Ultimatum to Ebonyi Workers

 

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State expressed frustration during a live broadcast on Monday, warning striking workers to return to their posts within 72 hours or face replacement. The governor insisted that his administration was not at fault, claiming compliance with all agreements regarding workers’ wages.

 

“If you don’t go to work, not only will I withhold your salary, but I will also replace you within 72 hours,” Nwifuru declared. He added, “I have instructed the Civil Service Commission and commissioners to monitor attendance. Payment will be based on the number of days you report for duty.”

 

Nwifuru argued that his government had done enough for workers and criticized the NLC for what he described as an unwarranted strike. However, Ebonyi State NLC Chairman Prof. Oguguo Egwu countered, accusing the governor of being indifferent to the plight of civil servants, whom he said were struggling under poor conditions.

 

 

 

Nasarawa: A Total Shutdown of Government Services

 

In Nasarawa State, the strike paralyzed operations across all 13 Local Government Areas, with institutions like the state secretariat, judiciary, and educational facilities completely shut down. Ministries such as Health, Agriculture, and Environment were deserted, and only security personnel guarded premises to prevent vandalism.

 

Nasarawa NLC Chairman Ismaila Okoh explained that the strike resulted from the government’s failure to formalize a written agreement on the payment of the proposed ₦70,500 minimum wage. “We will not back down until our demands are met,” Okoh asserted, urging the state government to expedite implementation before December 1, 2024.

 

Despite these disruptions, Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe, chair of the Nasarawa State Wage Committee, assured that negotiations were in advanced stages. He stated that workers would begin receiving the new wage by December, promising further discussions to address all concerns.

 

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Kaduna Workers Push Back Against Wage Delays

 

In Kaduna State, the strike also brought government operations to a halt, with secretariat gates locked to prevent workers from accessing offices. While private institutions, including banks, continued operations, the strike highlighted tensions between the government and labor unions over wage adjustments.

 

Governor Uba Sani’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibraheem Musa, maintained that the state had already implemented a ₦72,000 minimum gross salary. However, NLC Kaduna Chairman Ayuba Suleiman criticized the government for failing to include consequential salary adjustments, describing the unilateral action as a violation of collective bargaining principles.

 

Suleiman noted that discussions with the state government had yielded no agreement, leaving workers disillusioned. A civil servant lamented, “The salary increase is negligible, barely adding ₦4,000 to ₦5,000. It doesn’t reflect the realities of the current economic situation.”

 

 

 

FCT Workers Demand Immediate Action

 

In the Federal Capital Territory, the strike gained full compliance from local government employees, who locked Area Council offices. Abdullahi Kabi, President of the FCT chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), reiterated that the offices would remain shut until the ₦70,000 minimum wage was implemented.

 

“We face the same economic challenges as everyone else in the FCT. It’s unacceptable for us to be left behind,” Kabi argued. He added that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had clarified that Area Councils must resolve the issue independently, further frustrating workers.

 

 

 

National Implications

 

The strike has exposed deep tensions between labor unions and state governments over wage disparities and delayed implementation of the new national minimum wage. While some state governments have expressed willingness to address workers’ concerns, labor unions remain firm in their demands for immediate action.

 

As protests continue, the standoff underscores the need for improved communication and a collaborative approach to resolving wage disputes. Whether through negotiations or policy interventions, swift resolution is crucial to prevent further disruptions to essential services.