By Abigail Philip David
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, has condemned Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for threatening to sack workers participating in a strike over the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.
Meanwhile, workers in Akwa Ibom have begun a strike over similar grievances, while their counterparts in Kaduna have suspended industrial action following negotiations with the state government.
NLC Slams Ebonyi Governor
Governor Nwifuru had, during a live broadcast on Monday, warned striking workers in Ebonyi State that their salaries would be withheld and they would be replaced if they failed to resume work within 72 hours.
“If you don’t go to work, I will not pay you, and I will replace you within 72 hours,” Nwifuru declared.
Reacting, Ajaero criticized the governor’s stance as “irresponsible,” stating that workers have the right to strike under the law. He added that the strike was prompted by failed discussions with the state government on implementing the national minimum wage.
“Instead of threats, a reasonable governor would have initiated dialogue to resolve the issue. Governor Nwifuru’s approach is not only unhelpful but shows a disregard for the law,” Ajaero said in a statement.
The NLC has directed all affiliates, including those in the private sector, to join the strike and urged workers to remain steadfast.
Kaduna Suspends Strike
In Kaduna, workers suspended their strike for seven days after a meeting with government representatives to revisit the contentious salary adjustment template.
According to the state NLC chairman, Ayuba Suleiman, the union rejected the previous template, which he described as inconsistent and unfair. “We demand a uniform payment structure that aligns with the new minimum wage,” he said.
The Kaduna State Government, however, clarified that the issue was not the minimum wage but the consequential salary adjustments. The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Ibraheem Musa, stated that the least-paid worker already earns N72,000 monthly and urged patience, citing limited state revenue as a constraint.
Akwa Ibom Workers Begin Strike
Civil servants in Akwa Ibom State commenced an indefinite strike on Wednesday over the non-implementation of the minimum wage.
The decision followed a resolution by the State Executive Council (SEC) of the NLC, which had issued an ultimatum to the state government to sign the agreement by midnight on December 3, 2024.
A statement signed by SEC Chairman Sunny James read:
– The government must sign the minimum wage agreement, including an effective date for implementation.
– If the agreement is not signed, workers will protest en masse at the state government house on December 9, 2024.
The workers delayed their action to accommodate the burial of the state’s First Lady but resolved to strike following the failure of negotiations.
The NLC continues to press for compliance with the minimum wage law, with strikes spreading across states where agreements have not been honored.
