Jigawa NLC orders strike over delay in payment of N70,000 minimum wage

The Jigawa State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its members to embark on an indefinite strike following the state government’s failure to implement the approved N70,000 minimum wage.

It is recalled that the state government had earlier constituted a committee to align with the national wage policy. While the committee made recommendations, delays in implementation have frustrated workers and unions.

In a circular jointly signed by NLC Chairman, Comrade Sunusi Alhassan, and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Bashir Tijjani Abubakar, the unions expressed their readiness to commence industrial action if the state government does not fulfil its commitment by November 30, 2024.

The circular stated: “All affiliates and organs in the state are to begin mobilisation for full compliance with this directive if the state government fails to pay the new minimum wage by the last day of November 2024.”

Organised labour disclosed that after prolonged negotiations, they had accepted the salary tables proposed by the state government for the implementation of the new wage structure.

The resolution was reached at a joint State Executive Council meeting of the NLC and TUC held on November 18, 2024, at Labour House, Dutse.

“The leadership of organised labour was also directed to proceed with signing necessary agreements to ensure immediate implementation,” the circular noted. However, it added that the state government seemed unwilling to meet the stipulated guidelines for unknown reasons.

Despite this, the unions stressed their obligation to comply with a national directive mandating strikes in states where the N70,000 minimum wage has yet to be fully implemented.

Governor Umar Namadi announced his administration’s approval of the N70,000 minimum wage on October 26, 2024, after receiving a report from a government committee led by the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammad Dagaceri.

However, the announcement lacked clarity on when the payment would commence, leaving workers in suspense.

The unions affirmed their readiness to engage with the government but warned that delays would no longer be tolerated.

“We have informed the government of our readiness to sign the agreement whenever it is presented. However, we remain committed to the directive from the national NLC and TUC, which requires strike action in states that have not implemented the new minimum wage by December 1, 2024,” they stated.

The impending strike threatens to paralyse public services across the state as workers demand immediate compliance with the new wage policy.