The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to launch an indefinite strike in Zamfara State starting December 1, 2024, over the state government’s failure to implement the National Minimum Wage of N70,000.
This decision follows a resolution passed by the Zamfara State council, which aligned with a directive from the NLC National Secretariat after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Port Harcourt on November 8, 2024. The union’s stance was formally communicated in a statement signed by Comrade Sani Halliru, the State Chairman of the NLC, and made public in Gusau, the state capital.
The NLC condemned the refusal of some state governments, including Zamfara, to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act, calling it a betrayal of workers’ rights amid escalating economic challenges. The union noted that all affiliated unions in the state had endorsed an ultimatum, urging the state government to comply by the end of November 2024.
According to the NLC communique, should the state government fail to meet the deadline, the union and its affiliates would proceed with the strike, effectively bringing the state to a halt starting December 1. The NLC described the non-implementation of the wage as a blatant disregard for the law and workers’ welfare.
“The failure to implement the minimum wage is a blatant disregard for the law, morality, and the well-being of workers who continue to endure immense hardship,” the communique stated. “We call on all workers in Zamfara State to prepare for this industrial action, as it is a necessary step to secure their rights and improve their livelihoods.”
The NLC Zamfara State Council reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the welfare of workers, stressing that Nigerian workers are entitled to their rightful wages. The union vowed to continue its fight for justice and dignity, emphasizing that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
As the December deadline approaches, workers in Zamfara are bracing for the upcoming industrial action, which is expected to have significant impact across the state.
