The nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage has grounded government activities in several states, including Ebonyi, Nasarawa, and Kaduna, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The strike, which began on December 1, 2024, has exposed tensions between state governments and civil servants, with Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru adopting a hardline stance against striking workers.
In Ebonyi State, Governor Nwifuru has issued a stern ultimatum to civil servants, threatening to replace those who fail to resume work within 72 hours. Speaking at a media parley and a live broadcast from his office in Abakaliki, the visibly irate governor vowed to withhold the salaries of striking workers and introduce “table payment” based on attendance. He also directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to maintain attendance registers for monitoring compliance.
“If you don’t go to work, not only will I not pay you, but I will also replace you within 72 hours,” the governor declared. “As far as I am not guilty, I am not owing you. I am paying you what is supposed to be paid according to the agreement and constitution. If you don’t go to work, forget about the state government.”
The NLC had directed state chapters to commence a one-week strike in states that failed to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage and appropriate adjustments for other categories of workers. In response, Ebonyi’s NLC chapter accused Governor Nwifuru of unilaterally awarding wages without negotiations or collective agreements, which the union described as unacceptable. The strike reportedly achieved 90% compliance, leaving key government facilities like the Ochudo Secretariat and the old Government House in Abakaliki deserted.
Governor Nwifuru argued that the minimum wage law only mandates a ₦70,000 minimum for the least-paid workers and does not stipulate how other salary grades should be adjusted. He maintained that his administration had implemented incremental adjustments for higher-grade workers and criticized the NLC for failing to communicate these details to its members.
The governor expressed disappointment that a letter from the NLC notifying him of the planned strike was leaked online before he had a chance to review it. He also emphasized the state government’s commitment to workers’ welfare, citing various initiatives, and accused the NLC of misleading its members.
“I have done a lot for workers in this state,” he said. “Yet, they chose to strike, knowing full well that I have fulfilled all constitutional obligations. This action is not only ungrateful but also unnecessary.”
The industrial action has also paralyzed activities in other states, including Nasarawa, Kaduna, and the FCT. In Nasarawa, compliance with the strike was total, as government offices, including the state secretariat, judiciary, and teaching hospital, were shut down. The state’s NLC chairman, Ismaila Okoh, revealed that the strike was prompted by the government’s failure to formalize a verbal agreement to pay the ₦70,500 minimum wage. Despite assurances from the state’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, that payments would commence in December 2024, workers expressed frustration over delayed implementation and lack of written commitments.
In Kaduna State, usual activities in ministries and agencies were brought to a halt, with secretariat gates locked to prevent access. While the government claimed that the least-paid workers received a minimum of ₦72,000, labour unions argued that consequential adjustments for higher salary grades were yet to be implemented. Governor Uba Sani’s spokesperson attributed the delays to limited state revenue but urged patience as the government sought solutions. However, the Kaduna NLC chairman, Ayuba Suleiman, rejected these explanations, insisting that the strike would continue until all demands were met.
Similarly, in the FCT, the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) enforced the strike directive, leaving area council offices under lock and key. Workers decried the non-payment of the minimum wage and accused the council chairmen of ignoring multiple communications from the union. The President of NULGE, Abdullahi Kabi, criticized the lack of commitment from local authorities and emphasized the economic pressures faced by civil servants.
In contrast to the widespread compliance seen in other states, workers in Zamfara largely ignored the strike directive. Civil servants reported to work as usual, citing a lack of trust in union leaders to secure meaningful outcomes. Some workers expressed skepticism, suggesting that labour leaders often abandon their members after securing personal gains. Meanwhile, the Zamfara government assured workers that it would implement the new minimum wage after completing a verification exercise.
The standoff in Ebonyi underscores the broader challenges of implementing the national minimum wage amidst economic constraints. While Governor Nwifuru’s hardline approach aims to maintain productivity, it risks alienating workers who feel sidelined in the decision-making process. The NLC’s insistence on collective bargaining highlights the importance of transparent negotiations in fostering trust between labour and government.
The strike also exposes systemic issues, including inconsistent wage adjustments and poor communication between state governments and labour unions. As the dispute unfolds, it remains to be seen whether dialogue can bridge the divide or if entrenched positions will prolong the impasse.
The ongoing strike reflects the broader struggle for fair labour practices in Nigeria. While state governments grapple with limited resources, civil servants demand equitable treatment and timely implementation of agreements. In Ebonyi, Governor Nwifuru’s ultimatum and the NLC’s defiance epitomize the tension between authority and advocacy, highlighting the urgent need for compromise and collaboration to address workers’ grievances effectively.
Sources
