* Over minimum wage saga
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared industrial action in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Imo, Katsina and 12 other states, effective Monday, December 2, 2024.
The directive followed resolutions of the Congress’ National Executive Council (NEC) at its meeting in Port Harcourt on November 8 and reaffirmed by the Central Working Committee (CWC) in Kano on November 27, 2024.
The action, according the NLC, is the failure of the FCT and 14 states, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara, to implement the new national minimum wage.
The NLC General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, said that the Congress is disappointment that workers in these states and the FCT, have continued to receive wages based on the outdated salary structure.
“Failure to commence implementation by the end of November 2024 leaves us no option but to enforce industrial action as directed by NEC and CWC. We will hold state leadership accountable for this breach,” it said.
The NLC also issued a stern warning to State leaders, emphasising that the directive must be implemented immediately.
“Non-compliance will attract dire consequences,” the union warned, noting that the full weight of the Congress would be brought to bear on erring states.
The Congress also urged State chapters to promptly report progress or fresh developments to its leadership.