Ebonyi NUT begins indefinite strike in seven LGs over unpaid salaries

The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ebonyi State began an indefinite strike on Thursday in seven local government areas. The strike is in response to the non-payment of salaries for over three months.

In a statement, a copy of which Guardian obtained in Abakaliki, the Union Secretary, Bassey Asuquo, listed the affected local government areas as Ebonyi, Edda, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ivo, Ishielu, and Ohaukwu.

Asuquo noted that the strike action became necessary after some teachers in the affected local government areas were not paid at least three months’ salaries.

The Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Ebonyi State chapter, Chinedu Uburu, revealed that workers who died since 2009 are still receiving their salaries in the local government system, Uburu noted that the revelation was discovered during the ongoing verification exercise, pleading with workers who have not received their salaries to be patient.

Uburu noted that the non-payment of some local government staff was not intended to witch-hunt anyone, but they should remain calm, as the verification will soon be over.

“Sequel to our earlier notice on mobilization for industrial strike action, we have thoroughly reviewed the compliance of local government chairmen regarding the clearance of our members’ salaries.

“As of the close of work today, February 5, 2025, we acknowledge that certain local government areas have cleared the salaries of our members.

“However, we regret to inform you that several local government chairmen have failed to clear the backlog of our members’ outstanding salaries.

“In response to this non-compliance, we hereby declare indefinite strike action in the following Local Government Areas: Edda, Ebonyi, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ishielu, Ivo, and Ohaukwu.

“All our state and branch officers in the affected local government areas are instructed to adhere strictly to this directive and ensure the immediate enforcement of the strike action from 12:00 am on Thursday, 6th of February, 2025.

“This includes organizing and maintaining solidarity picket lines and monitoring the compliance of the strike action across the affected localities,” the statement said.

The Union noted that the failure of the local government chairmen to meet their obligations to its members is unacceptable and vowed not to relent until its demands are met.

He said, “We call on all members to remain steadfast and continue their support for the strike action.”