Workers in Niger State have downed tools this morning following a directive by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The indefinite strike was initiated due to the state government’s failure to address their grievances.
On Monday, Idrees Lafene, the state chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, and Ibrahim Gana, his Trade Union Congress counterpart, instructed civil servants to begin an indefinite strike. They cited the state government’s neglect to continue discussions on matters concerning workers’ welfare and the state’s operations.
However, Abubakar Usman, the Secretary to the State Government, intervened to prevent the strike by informing the press about a scheduled meeting with labour on Tuesday afternoon. He emphasized the administration’s positive relationship with organized labour under Mohammed Bago and assured that all contentious issues would be resolved in the state’s best interests.
“In furtherance of this understanding, the government of Niger State today, Tuesday 20th February, 2024 invited organised labour to a meeting by 2 pm and it is hoping to receive its cooperation in this regard,” he said.
He reassured the public that Bago’s administration prioritizes the welfare of both the people and labor force and remains committed to constructive dialogue and negotiations aimed at progressing Niger State.
In the aftermath of the meeting, PUNCH Online attempted to reach Lafene for comment, but his phone was unreachable.
However, an anonymous source within the organized labor union confirmed that the meeting did not take place, and consequently, the strike would proceed as initially planned.
Efforts this morning by PUNCH Online to contact the labor leader were unsuccessful, as his phone remained out of reach.
Another source revealed that the union leadership has instructed all branches to mobilize their members for full compliance.
“As usual, the situation room will be open as soon as the strike action begins. We shall continuously update you on the progress of the strike action as it unfolds. We seek your cooperation as we battle the government to better the welfare of all Nigerians.
“The insensitivity of the government to the plight of the ordinary Nigerian portends a very grave danger to all and sundry if the only voice of the voiceless is indifferent,” the source noted.
Meanwhile, numerous efforts to contact Tanko Lawal, the Information Officer of the SSG who endorsed the statement regarding the scheduled meeting between organized labor and the state government on Tuesday, were unsuccessful as his phone line could not be reached.