Economic activities came to a halt on Monday in several Nigerian states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) launched a warning strike.
The strike, which is set to last one week, is in protest against the failure of some state governments to implement the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000.
Workers in Kaduna, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, and the FCT demonstrated their dissatisfaction by shutting down ministries, agencies, and schools. Teachers in Abuja expressed frustration over area councils’ non-compliance with the wage policy, despite it being signed into law months ago.
In Kaduna, government offices were deserted as employees heeded the call to strike. Similarly, Nasarawa and Ebonyi states saw widespread disruptions. However, tensions escalated in Ebonyi when Governor Francis Nwifuru issued a 72-hour ultimatum for workers to resume or face termination.
The ultimatum drew sharp criticism from the NLC. Speaking on the issue, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah said, “Compliance level has been impressive, from state to state.
“Governor Francis Nwifuru’s reaction is utterly irresponsible. And he is quite alone in this self-righteous journey.
“Quite a number of defaulting governors have taken measures to forestall escalation,” he told DAILY POST.”
Upah also noted that many defaulting governors had already taken steps to address the workers’ grievances, unlike Ebonyi’s leadership. The workers argue that the announced ₦75,000 minimum wage in Ebonyi was an unfulfilled promise, prompting their action.
