Labour Calls Off Strike In Nasarawa

Organised labour in Nasarawa State has called off the strike it embarked on over the state government’s alleged failure to implement the minimum wage.

The chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ismaila Okoh, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Mohammed Doma, announced the cessation of hostility after reaching an agreement with the state government on the grey areas in Lafia on Monday.

The NLC chairman told journalists that the agreement followed extensive negotiations with the state government and interventions by key stakeholders.

He explained that a tentative template has been finalised for the consequential adjustments to the minimum wage for workers on Grade Levels 7 to 16.

Also speaking, TUC chairman, Mr Doma, said the payment of the new minimum wage, including the agreed adjustments, will commence on December 1, 2024.

Mr Okoh thanked union members for their commitment and resilience, which made the industrial action a huge success.

He said, “We thank the Nasarawa State workers for their commitment, resilience, and patience.

We were on indefinite strike for two weeks and two days, and we have been closing ranks with the government of Nasarawa State regarding the negotiations on the new minimum wage in the state.

“After extensive deliberations, a far-reaching decision has been taken. We agreed on specific terms, and today, the organised labour and the government of Nasarawa State have signed an agreement and resolved that the N70,500 minimum wage will be implemented for Nasarawa State workers.

“Given the above, therefore, we commend the resilience of the workers of Nasarawa State and, of course, the government to have arrived at that decision.

“Having said that, you are aware that after everything, there must be something, and that is to say that agreement has been signed.

“We are now calling on our fellow workers of Nasarawa State that as of today, December 16, 2024, the indefinite strike embarked upon by the organised labour in Nasarawa State has been suspended.”