Workers across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Cross River, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Kaduna, and Zamfara states are poised to commence an indefinite strike today following disagreements with state authorities over the implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage.
Despite ongoing negotiations between state implementation panels and labor unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in these states has expressed readiness to proceed with industrial action.
In the FCT, workers in six area councils were directed to strike indefinitely from December 1, as outlined in a letter signed by the FCT NLC Chairman, Stephen Knabayi. The directive follows a nationwide order by the NLC leadership for industrial action in states failing to comply with the new wage policy.
In Nasarawa State, NLC Chairman Ismaila Okoh confirmed readiness for a strike, citing delays in formalizing agreements to pay ₦70,500. Although discussions with the government showed progress, no documents had been signed as of Sunday evening.
Kaduna State has implemented a ₦72,000 minimum wage, but NLC Chairman Ayuba Suleiman stated workers would still strike due to unresolved demands for consequential adjustments. Governor Uba Sani, however, defended the state’s financial priorities, arguing that nearly all revenue cannot be allocated solely to salary increments.
In Ebonyi, NLC Chairman Dr. Oguguo Egwu noted that workers would strike following Governor Francis Nwifuru’s failure to formalize his September announcement of a ₦70,000 minimum wage. Similarly, Zamfara and Cross River states are grappling with delays in implementation, prompting labor unions to join the industrial action.
Late on Sunday, Cross River reportedly reached an agreement to pay the new minimum wage. However, as of reporting, union officials had yet to confirm whether the strike in the state would proceed.
With unresolved disputes in multiple states, the nationwide strike is set to intensify calls for accountability and equitable wage policies.
