kelechi 
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has issued a directive for all workers in the six area councils of the FCT to commence an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024.
This announcement was made by the council’s chairman, Mr. Knabanyi Adalo, in Abuja on Saturday.
Why FCT Area Council Workers Are Striking
The decision aligns with the communique issued during the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on November 8 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
A core demand in the communique was the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage for workers—a call that the area council chairmen have yet to address.
Despite repeated appeals from the NEC, the chairmen have neither implemented the minimum wage nor addressed pending worker entitlements.
These unresolved issues include arrears owed to primary school teachers and other overdue payments.
NLC’s Position on the Minimum Wage Violation
Failure to implement the new national minimum wage is seen as a violation of labor laws and a disregard for workers’ welfare.
According to Mr. Adalo, the organized labor in the FCT, during its State Administrative Council meeting on November 12, unanimously resolved to adhere to the NEC’s directive.
This decision comes as a last resort to ensure compliance with the wage policy.
Adalo emphasized that unless the government fulfills its obligations by November 30, workers will be left with no choice but to proceed with the strike.
What the Strike Means for FCT Area Councils
The strike will involve all workers in the six FCT area councils and will continue indefinitely until further directives are issued.
Adalo expressed frustration over the persistent neglect and urged the government to address the workers’ grievances promptly to avoid prolonged industrial action.
New Minimum Wage For Nigerian Workers. As the clock ticks toward the December 1, 2024, deadline set by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), state governors across Nigeria, including those in Lagos, are under increasing pressure to implement the newly approved minimum wage.
The NLC’s ultimatum remains firm, with labor unions preparing for action if their demands for fair wage implementation are not met.
NLC’s December 1 Ultimatum: A Critical Deadline for Minimum Wage Compliance
The NLC has made it clear that the December 1 ultimatum to state governors who have failed to implement the new minimum wage by the end of November 2024 will not be extended.
New Minimum Wage For Nigerian Workers
This deadline applies to all states, including Lagos, and beyond, where workers have long awaited a fair wage adjustment.
Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, confirmed the ultimatum remains in place, stressing that no changes have been made to the deadline.
This announcement comes as several states scramble to meet the deadline, including Sokoto and Zamfara, where negotiations and adjustments are underway.
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Lagos, and Other States Push for Timely Implementation
In Lagos and other regions of Lagos, workers have been particularly vocal about the need for the timely implementation of the new minimum wage.
The state government has been under scrutiny, with unions urging swift action to avoid disruption.
The Sokoto State Government recently met with NLC representatives to finalize proposals, and similar discussions are taking place in other regions, including Lagos.
For instance, the Taraba State Government has confirmed that it will implement a new N70,000 minimum wage, effective November 2024, signaling progress in the ongoing negotiations across the country.
Lagos, with its growing urban economy, remains a focal point in the broader push for fair wage implementation.
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Zamfara and Taraba Lead the Charge in Wage Adjustments
Several states, including Zamfara and Taraba, have already announced the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.
Zamfara plans to begin payments after completing an employee verification process, while Taraba has set a clear start date for November 2024.
Meanwhile, in Lekki and Lagos, where the cost of living continues to rise amid inflation, unions are advocating for the immediate realization of the wage increase.
The implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage would provide much-needed financial relief to workers in these economically vibrant regions.
Cross River and Imo States: Challenges in Negotiations
Despite the progress in other states, negotiations in Cross River and Imo remain in limbo.
Cross River workers recently issued a notice for a two-day warning strike, with further industrial action threatened if the government does not finalize the wage implementation by the deadline.
In Imo, discussions have stalled, and unions are eagerly awaiting any official announcement.
Jigawa State: Strike Action Threatened Over Unmet Wage Expectations
The NLC in Jigawa State has already directed its members to prepare for an indefinite strike, following the state government’s failure to meet the deadline for implementing the N70,000 minimum wage.
The state’s NLC and TUC leadership continue to mobilize for action as the deadline approaches. Their readiness underscores the increasing tension surrounding the new wage policy.
Governor Appeals to Labour Unions to Delay Strike
In response to the ongoing unrest, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has appealed to the state’s labor unions to postpone their planned strike.
He emphasized his administration’s commitment to implementing the N70,000 minimum wage and urged continued dialogue to avoid disruptions.
In Lekki, Lagos, and other major urban centers, such appeals are being echoed by state leaders who seek to avoid any industrial action that could affect the local economy, especially in real estate and other key sectors.
Conclusion:
States Must Meet the Deadline for Wage Implementation
As the deadline for the implementation of the new minimum wage looms, all states, including Lekki and Lagos, must meet the NLC’s expectations.
The December 1 deadline is a pivotal moment for workers across the nation, particularly in economically important regions like Lagos.
Workers’ livelihoods and the stability of the nation’s labor market depend on timely action, and the government must act swiftly to avoid the disruption of critical industries and services.
Key Takeaways:
- The NLC’s December 1, 2024 deadline remains firm.
- Lagos, and other states must act quickly to implement the new minimum wage.
- Strikes and industrial action are increasingly likely in states like Jigawa, Cross River, and Imo if the deadline is missed.
