Showdown Over Minimum Wage: Workers in Six States and FCT Brace for Strike Despite Government Assurances

By Achimi Muktar

As the clock ticks, tension escalates across Nigeria with workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Cross River, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Kaduna, and Zamfara gearing up to down tools in protest against the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage. The strike, set to commence today, looms despite last-minute negotiations between state authorities and labor unions.

A Nation on the Brink of Industrial Paralysis

The planned strike stems from the failure of several state governments to fulfill their commitments to the new minimum wage law. While some states have initiated dialogue, their efforts to avert industrial action appear insufficient to assuage workers' frustrations.

In the FCT, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has already directed workers across six Area Councils to embark on an indefinite strike. According to a statement by the FCT NLC Chairman, Stephen Knabayi, the government has shown little urgency in addressing workers’ demands, despite receiving multiple warnings.

Nasarawa State presents a similar scenario. While state authorities recently agreed to pay N70,500, workers are unsatisfied due to the absence of a signed agreement. “We will fully comply with the strike directive if nothing is finalized before midnight,” warned Ismaila Okoh, the state NLC Chairman.

Mixed Signals from State Governments

Kaduna State has taken preemptive action, announcing that the lowest-paid workers received N72,000 in November. However, the local NLC chapter insists the state government must address "consequential adjustments" in wages. “We are ready to strike as directed by the NLC leadership,” declared Ayuba Suleiman, the NLC Chairman for Kaduna State.

The state government, however, has pushed back. Governor Uba Sani’s spokesperson, Ibraheem Musa, criticized the union’s stance, highlighting the financial strain the wage hike has placed on the state. “With a monthly wage bill now at N6.3 billion, it’s unrealistic to allocate over 90% of the state’s revenue to just one percent of the population,” Musa stated.

Promises Unfulfilled in Ebonyi and Zamfara

In Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwifuru initially announced the N70,000 minimum wage with much fanfare during the Ojiji festival. Yet, workers are now accusing the administration of failing to follow through. Similarly, in Zamfara, labor leaders have lamented the absence of any concrete steps to implement the new wage, leaving them no choice but to strike.

A Last-Minute Agreement in Cross River?

Late Sunday night, reports emerged of an agreement between the Cross River State government and labor leaders to implement the N70,000 wage. However, the uncertainty persists as neither the NLC nor the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has confirmed whether workers will proceed with the strike.

Workers’ Patience Runs Thin

The stakes are high for both the government and labor unions. With mounting economic challenges, workers argue that the new wage is essential to their survival. Meanwhile, state governments cite dwindling revenues and rising expenses as barriers to full compliance.

As the nation braces for potential disruptions, one question lingers: can last-minute negotiations prevent a nationwide shutdown, or is the stage set for one of Nigeria’s largest industrial actions in recent memory?