The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers across 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to embark on an indefinite strike following the failure of their respective governments to implement the agreed N70,000 minimum wage.
The NLC’s decision, announced on Saturday, comes after repeated attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue with state governors proved unsuccessful.
The union has accused state governments of disregarding the hardship faced by workers amid rising inflation and economic challenges, stressing that the delay in adopting the new minimum wage violates labor laws and collective agreements.
States Affected
The 14 states affected include key economic hubs and regions, which could lead to widespread disruptions in public services, including healthcare, education, and administrative functions.
NLC’s Stand
A statement from the NLC President emphasized the union’s unwavering commitment to defending workers’ rights and ensuring fair compensation.
“The N70,000 minimum wage is not a privilege but a necessity in light of the current economic realities. Governments that fail to prioritize their workers are setting themselves against progress,” the statement read.
Implications
The strike, if fully implemented, is expected to disrupt critical services across the affected states and FCT, placing pressure on government administrations to act swiftly.
The NLC has urged workers in these states to stand firm, while calling on the Federal Government to intervene and ensure compliance with the agreed wage policy.
