NLC Rejects State Chapters’ Excuses, Insist on Nationwide Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has made it clear that it will proceed with its planned nationwide strike, despite objections from certain state chapters.

The union is demanding the immediate implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage across all states, dismissing excuses from those yet to comply.

Akeem Ambali, the NLC National Treasurer, told Punch that the union had mobilized its affiliate unions nationwide, instructing them to prepare for industrial action in states that have not yet formalized the wage increase.

He expressed frustration with states that had made only verbal commitments without signing formal agreements or enacting concrete plans for implementation.

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Ambali stated, “Labour will embark on strike by midnight of the 30th of this month (November); we have mobilized for that. We have directed the leadership of all affiliates to mobilize their members for the strike.”

He emphasized that even states that had only issued statements, with no payment or official agreements, would be included in the action.

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“We know some of them only made statements. They never paid the new minimum wage. Making a pronouncement without negotiation is not known to labour law; even making a pronouncement without cash backing is not acceptable to labour,” Ambali added, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The NLC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Benson Upah, echoed this sentiment, stating that no amount of persuasion or partial compliance would prevent the strike. “Only full implementation of the new wage will avert the strike,” Upah declared.

The strike, slated to begin at midnight on November 30, is set to have significant implications across the nation.