Civil servants in Niger State have announced an indefinite strike, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to fulfill their demands. The decision reflects the growing frustration among public employees regarding unmet expectations and raises concerns about the potential impact on essential public services.
The civil servants, collectively represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress state chapter, had submitted a set of demands to the state government. However, the NLC alleges that the state failed to uphold its commitment to meeting these demands, leading to the current situation.
Nevertheless, it emphasized that it remains open to further negotiations.
In a communication addressed to Governor Mohammed Bago, dated February 19 and undersigned by Chairman Idrees Lafene and Trade Union Congress Chairman Ibrahim Gana, the congress declared that the strike is scheduled to commence at 8am on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
The letter was made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
It read in part “We are writing in furtherance to our earlier letter of ultimatum Ref no. OL/NS/040/GEN/Vol 4/29 dated 20/12/23 and the deadlock on settlement of issues as a result of negotiations with Niger State Government Committee.
“We wish to formally inform the Government that effective 8am on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 that Niger State workers shall commence an indefinite strike action until our demands are comprehensively met.
“Meanwhile, we wish to reiterate that our doors are open for negotiation subject to : Conveyance of formal invitation, reversal of all appointments in dispute ie, Executive Directors Finance, Executive Directors Admin and Executive Directors Operations, Chairman, members and permanent commissioners of local Government Service Commission and Civil Service Commission, Directors General DGs of some agencies
“A clear statement by the government on payment of wage award.
“We also wish to stress that the idea of appointing Permanent Secretaries who are not eligible and within the service will no longer be tolerated by the Organised Labour.
“Accordingly we call on the government to withdraw the recent appointment of a Vice Principal on secondment as a Permanent Secretary to allow for career progression from within.
“We also call on the government to desist from victimising teachers and members from the educational sector as a result of the recent debate by some primary school pupils in Agaie LGA.”
The organized labor reaffirmed its dedication to the governor’s New Niger Agenda, emphasizing the absence of any response to prior communications.
