By Milcah Tanimu

Academic activities at Kaduna State Polytechnic were halted on Monday as Labour officials enforced the ongoing indefinite nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). union representatives arrived early at the polytechnic’s Unguwan Rimi Campus and directed students to leave the premises.

The officials escorted students out and secured the gates, leaving many students stranded outside.

The strike, announced on Friday, was prompted by the Federal Government’s delay in finalizing and passing a new National Minimum Wage Act and reversing the electricity tariff increase to N65/kWh. The NLC and TUC instructed all members and affiliated unions to fully adhere to the strike, which commenced at midnight on June 3, 2024.

A joint statement by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo criticized the government’s lack of seriousness and commitment. It noted the absence of key government officials at a recent meeting, highlighting a perceived disregard for the demands of Nigerian workers.

The statement read: “Today’s meeting further demonstrated the unseriousness and apparent contempt with which the Nigerian state holds the demands of Nigerian workers and people. No Governor was present, and Ministers were absent except the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, who doubles as a conciliator.

“There was none present on the side of the government with appropriate authority to commit them to any outcome; in essence, the Government abandoned the meeting. We consider this disdainful and show a lack of commitment to a successful National Minimum Wage negotiation exercise.”

The union leaders reiterated their demands, including the reversal of the electricity tariff hike and the end of consumer categorization into bands. They emphasized that Nigerian workers deserve fair wages that reflect current economic realities.

“Despite our repeated calls and the clear ultimatum issued, the government continues to neglect its responsibility to the workforce. Instead of engaging in dialogue, the government has attempted to intimidate trade union leaders,” the statement added.

Given the government’s inaction, the NLC and TUC issued a notice for an indefinite nationwide strike, stating: “Nigerian workers are compelled by these failures to embark on an indefinite nationwide industrial action beginning on Monday, the 3rd of June 2024, to press home our demands.”

Further developments are expected as the strike continues.