Labour Strike Hits Kaduna, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, FCT Over Unmet Wage Demands

Economic activities in four states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were significantly disrupted on Monday as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) launched a one-week warning strike. This action follows widespread dissatisfaction over the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage by some state governments. States such as Nasarawa, Kaduna, Ebonyi, and the FCT were particularly affected.

The strike, which began in response to the failure of several state governments to implement the new wage in October and November 2024, saw workers in Kaduna halt activities in government ministries and agencies. The Kaduna State government, however, claimed to have started paying the minimum wage in October, excluding the consequential adjustments.

Meanwhile, in the FCT, teachers expressed frustration over the refusal of area councils to adopt the N70,000 minimum wage, further fueling the unrest. In Ebonyi and Nasarawa, workers also joined the strike, effectively crippling state activities.

In Ebonyi, Governor Francis Nwifuru issued a 72-hour ultimatum for workers to return to work or face dismissal. Nwifuru maintained that the state had approved a N75,000 minimum wage and had already begun its implementation. However, workers dismissed the governor’s announcement, calling it a hollow declaration not supported by actual action.

The NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, praised the success of the strike, stating that compliance had been strong across the affected states. He also criticized Governor Nwifuru’s response to the strike, calling it “irresponsible” and noting that he was isolated in his approach. Upah added that several other state governors who had failed to implement the new wage were taking steps to prevent further escalation.

The strike follows the passage of the National Minimum Wage Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in July 2024. While the federal government and a few states have implemented the new wage, many others have been slow to act, prompting workers to escalate their protests.