Nasarawa Workers Begin Indefinite Strike Over Minimum Wage

Civil servants in Nasarawa State have embarked on an indefinite strike following the state government’s failure to implement the N70,000 national minimum wage recently signed into law by the federal government.

Led by organized labour unions, workers shut down ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) across the state to press their demands. Chanting solidarity songs, union members visited various offices, including healthcare facilities, and urged employees who reported for duty to vacate their posts.

The strike action follows a December 1 deadline set by labour unions, who had warned of industrial action if the government failed to act.

Labour Leaders Condemn Government Inaction

Nasarawa State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Ismaila Okoh, criticized the government for its lack of formal commitment despite several rounds of negotiation. “All offices will remain shut until the state government reconsiders its stance and begins payment of the N70,000 minimum wage,” Okoh stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Mohammed Doma, expressed frustration over the rising cost of living, which has worsened the conditions of civil servants. “We had no choice but to resort to this strike as a last option to demand what is legally ours,” Doma said.

Government Calls Strike ‘Unwarranted’

In response, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, Nasarawa State’s Deputy Governor and Chair of the National Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee, described the strike as unjustified. He expressed surprise, noting that the government had already agreed to a N70,500 minimum wage during a recent meeting.

“His Excellency, the Governor, directed the Commissioner for Finance and the Accountant-General to commence payment in December, reflecting the new wage. I was shocked to hear about the strike,” Akabe said, urging labour leaders to demonstrate “decorum and understanding” as the government remains committed to improving workers’ welfare.

Call for Dialogue Amid Service Disruptions

Despite the government’s assurances, essential services across the state remain paralyzed. The government has invited labour leaders back to the negotiation table in hopes of resolving the impasse, but the strike continues, leaving key sectors in limbo.