In a dramatic escalation of the minimum wage saga, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared industrial action in 15 states, effective Monday, December 2, 2024. This move is in response to the failure of these states to implement the approved national minimum wage.

The NLC’s decision to embark on strike action follows resolutions made by the National Executive Council (NEC) and reaffirmed by the Central Working Committee (CWC). The action aims to compel compliance with the national wage structure in the affected states.

The States to be paralyzed during the industrial action include Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Imo, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

Workers in these states have continued to receive wages based on the outdated salary structure, with no concrete agreements or timelines for implementing the updated structure. The NLC has expressed its disappointment over the non-compliance, stressing the seriousness of the matter.

In a statement, the NLC General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, emphasized that the failure to commence implementation by the end of November 2024 leaves the Congress no option but to enforce industrial action. The NLC also issued a stern warning to state leaders, emphasizing that the directive must be implemented immediately.

This looming strike has the potential to paralyze critical sectors across the affected states, heightening tensions between state governments and labor unions. The NLC’s action is a clear signal of its resolve to ensure that Nigerian workers receive fair treatment and the wages due to them under the 2024 agreement.

StreetReporters.ng

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