Minimum Wage: Nasarawa Workers Vow to Enforce Strike Unless Implementation

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By Chris Nyamtu

Organized labour in Nasarawa State has resolved to continue its strike until the state government implements the National Minimum Wage and its consequential adjustments for workers.

The Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ismaila Okoh, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Mohammed Doma, made this known while leading their members to the State Police Command in Lafia.

The ongoing strike by organized labour in Nasarawa State over the non-payment of the new national minimum wage has escalated following the invitation of the NLC Chairman, Comrade Ismaila Okoh, by the Police Commissioner.

In response, workers gathered in large numbers at the A. A. Sule Trade Union Congress Secretariat, chanting solidarity songs as they marched with the NLC Chairman to the Police Command on Lafia-Shendam Road.

The NLC Chairman, Comrade Ismaila Okoh, expressed surprise at the police invitation, stating that the union was pursuing its legitimate rights through lawful and peaceful means. He maintained that workers would not yield to intimidation until their demands for the approved minimum wage were met.

TUC Chairman Comrade Mohammed Doma called on the state government to demonstrate genuine commitment by paying the new minimum wage and its consequential adjustments, stressing that this was necessary for industrial peace and stability.

The State Police Commissioner, Mr Shehu Nadada, while addressing the workers, clarified that the invitation to the NLC Chairman was due to alleged infractions by workers during the enforcement of the strike.

Mr. Nadada further warned that security agencies would not tolerate any actions that infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Following the meeting, the workers dispersed and resumed enforcement of the strike at various state government offices.

Meanwhile, most state government offices, including schools, hospitals, and media houses, remain closed due to the indefinite strike.

Residents are urging the government to address the workers’ demands and resolve the impasse in the interest of ordinary citizens.

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