FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – Civil servants in Nasarawa State, under the organized labour unions, have commenced an indefinite strike over the state government’s failure to implement the N70,000 national minimum wage signed into law by the federal government.
The workers, mobilized in large groups and led by union leaders, shut all ministries, departments, and agencies in the state to press their demands.
Chanting solidarity songs, they visited various state offices, including healthcare centers, compelling workers who had reported to duty to vacate their posts.
Organised labour had earlier threatened to embark on the strike if the state government did not act by December 1.
Labour Leaders in the state comment on the issue
Comrade Ismaila Okoh, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Nasarawa State, in an interview, accused the government of failing to make a formal commitment to implementing the minimum wage, despite numerous negotiations.
“All offices will remain shut until the state government reconsiders its stance and begins payment of the 70,000 Naira minimum wage,” Okoh declared.
Similarly, Comrade Mohammed Doma, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), expressed frustration at the rising cost of living, which he said has worsened the plight of civil servants.
“We had no choice but to resort to this strike as a last option to demand what is legally ours,” Comrade Doma said.
Government calls the strike ‘unwarranted’
Dr Emmanuel Akabe, Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, while reacting to the development, described the strike as “unwarranted”.
Dr Akabe, who chairs the National Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee, also expressed surprise at the action of the workers.
“After a series of meetings that concluded last Saturday, the state government agreed to pay a 70,500 Naira minimum wage. His Excellency, the Governor, even directed the Commissioner for Finance and the Accountant-General to commence payment this December, reflecting the new wage. I was surprised to hear that the workers had embarked on a strike.”
He called on labour leaders to “exhibit decorum and understanding”, highlighting the government’s efforts to improve workers’ welfare and working conditions over the past five years.
Meanwhile, the state government had extended invitations to labour leaders to return to the negotiation table to resolve the impasse. However, essential services across the state remain paralyzed as the strike continues.
Signed
ARI, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA.
