The Nasarawa State Government and the organised labour have agreed on seventy thousand, five hundred naira (N70,500), minimum wage. This agreement has consequently ended the strike embarked upon by workers which has ran for over two weeks.
Both the government and the organised labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) signed the agreement at Government House on Monday.
The acting Governor of the State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe who signed on behalf of government expressed happiness that the issue that led to the strike was resolved, said the new minimum wage is a matter of law and the state had no option than to implement the new wage.
“As a law-abiding state, as a law abiding Governor, His Excellency, Engr Abdullahi A. Sule agreed to a minimum wage of 70, 500, which is what we are here to sign today.
“Strike action is not illegal. It is allowed within the norms of labor activities. It is like a child trying to protest the father and needs more attention.
“As difficult as it was to accept and to understand the strike action, we are happy that with all the ongoing negotiations we have come to an agreement so that at least, the organised labour can withdraw the strike and normalcy will resume immediately.
“Be rest assured, and I will reiterate that on behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, no member of the labour union, will be victimized as a result of the strike action. Nasarawa State belongs to all of us, and together, we shall salvage Nasarawa State,” he stated.
While appreciating the organised labour for their understanding and continued sacrifice, the Dr Akabe emphasised that the state government is not oblivious of the difficulties being experienced by the people as already highlighted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I most on behalf of His Excellency our Governor, who is presently on a short vacation, to thank the organized labour for the understanding, for the patience and sacrifices made and still making and will continue to make for our dear Nasarawa State.
“The government is not oblivious to the difficulties the people are going through today and the whole country. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also said it. That we need to make these hard decisions as difficult as they are and the hardship that is all over the country today. All steps are being taken to cushion these hardships,” he said.
In her remarks, the State Head of Service (HOS), Barr Abigail Waya, expressed gratitude to the state government for being sensitive to the welfare of workers in spite of the economic situation.
” I want to also recognize the organized labour for being understanding and willing to work closely with the government and being ready to work on the Nasarawa project with the government,” she said.
On his part, Chairman of the State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ismaila Okoh, while appreciating the state government for the kind gesture, assured that members of the organized labour will continue to live above board in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“Today, the organised labour and the workers of Nasarawa State are overwhelmed with the pronouncement, affirmation and confirmation of the Governor of Nasarawa State to the plight and welfare of workers in the state,” Comrade Okoh said.
Meanwhile, following the agreement reached with the state government, the organised labour has suspended the over two weeks strike embarked upon in order to press home their demands.
The labour leaders made this announcement at a joint news conference on Monday in Lafia, the state capital, directing workers to resume work immediately.
“The implementation of the signed agreement and payment of the new wage shall take effect from 1 December, 2024.
“Consequently, after an Executive Council meeting of the Organized Labour, the over 2 weeks old strike action has been suspended with effect from Monday 16″December, 2024.
“Workers are hereby directed to resume work accordingly.
“No worker shall be victimised on account of participation in the strike action,” the council said.
The Voice reports that the organised labour comprising NLC and TUC, had embarked on the strike on December 1.
