Gov. A. A. Sule, Governor, Nasarawa State.

NKRUMAH BANKONG-OBI/Lafia

Workers in the employment of the Nasarawa State government have embarked on a total strike. The heckling is to press home their demand for the implementation of the minimum wage as signed into law by President Bola Tinubu and subsequent negotiations by representatives of the workers in the State.

A release signed by the officials of the organised labour and circulated on Sunday evening had called on members to down tools as the state government had failed to bring the report set up to implement the new wage, to light. On Monday, workers providing services in Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals obeyed the call and proceeded on strike. Our reporter observed that officials of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC went around to ensure compliance with the directive. In Shendam Road, where many government agencies are located, and other places, labour leaders were seen chasing a few workers who resumed work out of their offices.

The chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, said the strike became pertinent because the government has reneged on its promise to implement the agreed wage. Thus, “All offices will remain shut until the state government reconsiders its stance and begins payment of the seventy thousand naira minimum wage,” the unionist said. His Trade Union Congress counterpart, Mohammed Doma, said the rising cost of living has made the condition of the workers worse, hence the strike action. “We had no choice but to resort to this strike as a last option to demand what is legally ours, he said.

The deputy governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, is quoted as not pleased with the action of the unions. He is reported to have described the strike as “unwarranted”. Dr Akabe who chairs the state government’s committee on Minimum Wage negotiation said the NLC and TUC acted even before a decision on the subject was taken. “After a series of meetings that concluded last Saturday, the State government agreed to pay seventy thousand 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 minimum wage. I was surprised to hear that the workers had embarked on strike. The deputy governor called on the union leaders to show some understanding, as the government is working towards improving the working conditions and welfare of the workers.

Gov. A. A. Sule, Governor, Nasarawa State.