The Katsina State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a warning to the state government, giving an ultimatum that could lead to an indefinite strike if their demands are not met.
Speaking to *The Nation* in a telephone interview, the Katsina NLC Chairman, Comrade Hussain Hamisu, expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in implementing the ₦70,000 national minimum wage. He highlighted the lack of progress in negotiations, particularly regarding the payment of arrears and the inclusion of retirees in the scheme.
According to Hamisu, the state’s implementation committee, set up to address the minimum wage adjustment, has concluded its work, but the government has yet to act on its recommendations. He said, “The ongoing committee work on the implementation of the new minimum wage, inaugurated by the state government, has ended following the expiration of their deadline date.”
Hamisu further emphasized the importance of extending the new wage structure to retirees. “Retirees’ payment must equally be considered during negotiations, considering the fact that there was a circular on their benefits and entitlements at the time of their retirements,” he added.
The Katsina NLC plans to wait until Tuesday for a positive response from the state government. If none is forthcoming, the union will join a nationwide strike in line with the directive from the NLC’s National Executive Council, issued during its recent meeting in Port Harcourt.
“If by Monday there is no positive indication from the state government, we shall declare an indefinite strike in compliance with the directive from the National Executive Council of the NLC,” Hamisu warned.
The Katsina State Government recently took steps towards implementing the national minimum wage by inaugurating a 15-member committee to devise strategies for its implementation. The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari, was tasked with addressing consequential adjustments for workers at both the state and local government levels.
Deputy Governor Farouk Lawal Jobe inaugurated the committee, which was given a 21-day deadline to submit its report. However, with no visible progress and the ultimatum looming, the situation remains tense as workers and retirees await a resolution.
