Nasarawa State’s organized labour is preparing for an indefinite strike following the state government’s delay in implementing the newly approved national minimum wage.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Nasarawa, Comrade Ismaila Okoh, revealed this during a telephone conversation with Radio Nigeria. He stated that despite multiple discussions, including meetings chaired by Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, no concrete agreement has been formalized.
Comrade Okoh noted that although the government verbally agreed to a minimum wage of ₦70,500, there is no signed document detailing the payment terms. Consequently, all affiliated unions have been placed on high alert, ready to commence industrial action if the government fails to implement the new wage by December 1, 2024.
“The workers remain steadfast. We are prepared to take every necessary step to ensure the full implementation of the minimum wage signed into law by President Bola Tinubu,” Okoh declared.
In response, Deputy Governor Akabe assured workers that the state would begin paying the ₦70,500 minimum wage by December 2024. He further emphasized that negotiations on salary adjustments are in advanced stages.
As the December 1 deadline approaches without a formal agreement, the looming strike threatens to disrupt the state’s public services, raising concerns over potential economic and administrative setbacks.
