Strike Looms as Jigawa Gov’t Fails to Implement N70,000 Minimum Wage
By Tahir Mohammed, Dutse
The Jigawa chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its members to embark on indefinite strike, following the inability of the state government to implement the approved N70,000 minimum wage.
Recalled that the State Government had earlier constituted a committee to align with the national wage policy.
While the committee made recommendations, the delay in implementation has frustrated workers and unions.
In a circular jointly signed by NLC Chairman Comrade Sunusi Alhassan and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Bashir Tijjani Abubakar, the unions said it would commence an industrial action if the state government does not fulfill its commitment by November 30, 2024.
The circular stated, “All affiliates and organs in the state are to begin mobilization for full compliance with this directive if the state government fails to pay the new minimum wage by the last day of November 2024.”
The organized labour disclosed that, after prolonged negotiations, they had accepted the salary proposed by the state government for the implementation of the new wage structure.
The Governor, Malam Umar Namadi had announced his administration’s approval of the N70,000 minimum wage on October 26, 2024, after receiving a report from a government committee led by the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammad Dagaceri.
However, the announcement lacked clarity on when the payment would commence, leaving workers in suspense.
The unions affirmed their readiness to engage with the government but warned that delays would no longer be tolerated.
“We have informed the government of our readiness to sign the agreement whenever it is presented. However, we remain committed to the directive from the national NLC and TUC, which requires strike action in states that have not implemented the new minimum wage by December 1, 2024,” they stated.
The impending strike threatens to paralyze public services across the state as workers demand immediate compliance with the new wage policy.
