Workers in Niger State are set to begin an
indefinite strike following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum given to the
state government to implement the new minimum wage for the workers.
While the ultimatum was on, the state government
commenced the payment but only for workers on grades level 1 to 6, blaming
inadequate funds for its action.
The state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, had also
claimed that 80 percent of the state revenue is committed to payment of
salaries and allowances, insisting that if the government pays the minimum wage
across board, "civil servants will be happy but other people in the state
will be at the receiving end."
Rising from an emergency joint state executive council
meeting held at the Labour house on Monday, the NLC directed "all civil
servants in Niger State to proceed on an indefinite strike effective from
midnight of February 4, 2020.
"You are to please note that the strike shall
be comprehensive and will remain in force until the government addresses the
following lingering issues.
"Demonstrate
a clear and adequate commitment on pension administration in Niger State
including recovering the funds embezzled by previous administration
"Begin immediate payment of outstanding annual
leave grants for year 2019 to desirable workers at both the state and local
government area level.
"Commence immediate implementation of N30,000
minimum wage, its consequential adjustment and accrued arrears to all category
of workers at both the state and local government area levels"
The statement jointly signed by the state NLC
Chairman, Yakubu Garba, and the state Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Tanimu
Yunusa, urged the state workers to be law-abiding during the strike and refuse
to "engage in any form of protest.
"They (workers) are to remain at home and wait
for further directives from the organised Labour."
However, there has been no reaction to the latest
development from the state government.
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