The Zamfara State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a firm warning to the state government, demanding the immediate implementation of the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000. The union has threatened an indefinite strike if the demand is not met by the end of November 2024.
This decision followed a directive from the NLC’s National Secretariat, which was communicated after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on November 8, 2024, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The resolution was outlined in a communique signed by the Zamfara State NLC Chairman, Comrade Sani Halliru, and shared with journalists in Gusau, the state capital.
The communique criticized the Zamfara State Government and other states yet to adopt the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. It described this delay as a significant injustice to workers, particularly in the face of escalating economic hardships. According to the NLC, failing to implement the law undermines workers’ rights and deepens the struggles of employees already burdened by inflation and other financial pressures.
The statement, which was endorsed by all affiliate unions operating in Zamfara, made it clear that the workers are united in their stance. It emphasized that if the state government does not act by the stipulated deadline, labor unions will have no choice but to embark on an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024. This action, they warned, would effectively paralyze the state’s activities.
The NLC leadership expressed frustration with the government’s inaction, calling it a disregard for both the law and the basic dignity of the workforce. “The failure to implement the minimum wage is not just a legal violation but also an affront to morality,” the communique stated. It added that workers across Zamfara have been enduring extreme hardships due to the high cost of living, which has been worsened by inflation and economic instability.
Comrade Sani Halliru reiterated the union’s commitment to fighting for fair treatment and better welfare for workers. He called on all employees in the state to prepare for the impending industrial action, urging solidarity and resilience in this critical time.
“The Zamfara NLC Council stands in unwavering solidarity with Nigerian workers in their pursuit of justice and improved livelihoods,” he said. “Justice delayed is justice denied, and Nigerian workers deserve what is rightfully theirs. We will not stop until the minimum wage is fully implemented.”
If the strike proceeds as planned, it is expected to significantly disrupt activities across Zamfara State. Public institutions, schools, hospitals, and government offices may shut down, creating a standstill that would affect millions of residents. The NLC has emphasized that the strike is a last resort after months of waiting for the government to comply with the law.
Workers in the state are frustrated, with many saying that the failure to implement the new minimum wage demonstrates a lack of care for their well-being. “We are struggling to make ends meet, and yet the government continues to drag its feet on something that is our right,” a civil servant in Gusau lamented.
The labor union also used this opportunity to call on workers nationwide to remain united in the fight for fair treatment and dignity. The Zamfara NLC’s stance aligns with a broader push by the NLC at the national level, which has been advocating for the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage across all states.
The ₦70,000 minimum wage was introduced as part of the federal government’s efforts to address the financial challenges faced by Nigerian workers. However, its implementation has been slow, with several state governments yet to comply, citing financial constraints. Labor unions have dismissed these excuses, arguing that state governments have a responsibility to prioritize the welfare of their employees.
As the November deadline looms, all eyes are on the Zamfara State Government to see how it will respond. The NLC has made it clear that it will not back down until the new wage structure is implemented. Meanwhile, workers are preparing for the possibility of an indefinite strike, hopeful that their united efforts will compel the government to act.
The NLC concluded its communique with a message of hope and determination, assuring workers that their struggle is not in vain. “The Zamfara NLC will continue to fight for the rights and welfare of all workers. Together, we can achieve the justice we deserve.”
For now, the ball is in the state government’s court. Whether it chooses to meet the NLC’s demands or face the consequences of a statewide shutdown remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Zamfara’s workers are not willing to compromise on their rights any longer
