Organized labour in Nasarawa State has issued a three-week ultimatum to Governor Abdullahi Sule, demanding the immediate implementation of the ₦70,000 new minimum wage. The workers also called on the governor to address the backlog of entitlements owed to them, amounting to ₦250 million.
This ultimatum was announced by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Nasarawa State, Ismaila Okoh, during a press briefing in Lafia on Thursday. Okoh’s statement followed an emergency meeting between labour leaders and workers in the state.
Okoh warned that if the state government fails to meet their demands by the end of August, workers across the state would embark on an indefinite strike.
“We are giving the Nasarawa State government until the end of August to begin the payment of the new national minimum wage and settle all outstanding entitlements. This action is necessary to avert an indefinite strike,” the NLC chairman stated.
He emphasized that civil servants in Nasarawa have made significant sacrifices for the state’s development, and it is crucial for the government to act swiftly to improve their welfare.
When contacted for a response, the state’s Head of Civil Service, Abigail Waya, acknowledged that the government had not yet finalized plans for the new minimum wage’s implementation. However, she reassured workers that the state government remains committed to enhancing their welfare.
The atmosphere within the Nasarawa State civil service has been tense, marked by unease and apprehension. This follows multiple assurances from the state government that it is prepared to commence the payment of the new national minimum wage.
