Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress announced industrial action on Monday in protest of the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, causing epileptic economic activity in at least three Nigerian states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
Nigerian workers began a one-week warning strike, which halted economic activity in the Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, Ebonyi, and Nasarawa states.
The strike occurs in October and November of 2024, when several states have refused to enact the increased minimum wage.
Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, are frustrated by the area councils’ failure to comply with the new N70,000 minimum salary in the nation’s capital.
Activities in state ministries and agencies in Kaduna were halted by Nigerian labourers.
The Kaduna State government responded by asserting that, with the exception of the consequential adjustment, it had started paying the minimum wage in October. Similarly, organised labour members also hindered activity in the states of Nasarawa and Ebonyi.
Francis Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi, however, issued a 72-hour notice to the striking employees to return to work or risk being fired. According to Nwifuru, the minimum salary of N75,000 has been approved by the government and is already being implemented.
However, the warning strike was called because Ebonyi workers had previously characterised the governor, Nwifuru,’s proposal of a N75,000 minimum wage as only a declaration without any accompanying action.
Your threat irresponsible – NLC tackles Gov Nwifuru of Ebonyi
Speaking exclusively on the strike, the spokesperson of NLC, Benson Upah, described day one of the strike as successful from state to state.
Upah described the threat issued by Governor Nwifuru as irresponsible.
According to him, Nwifuru is alone in what he described as a ‘self-righteous journey.’
“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 said.
Recall that in July 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assented to the National Minimum Wage Bill.
The federal government and a handful of states have since commenced the implementation of the minimum wage, while others are foot dragging.