The organized labor in Zamfara State and Katsina took proactive measures to ensure full compliance with the nationwide indefinite strike mandated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Led by Sani Haliru, Chairman of the Zamfara State Council of the NLC, and Sai’du Mudi, his TUC counterpart, the enforcement team actively enforced the strike, resulting in the shutdown of operations in the state capital.
The team carried out picketing activities at a bank located on Sani Abacha road in the Gusau metropolis, alleging the bank’s failure to adhere to the strike and denying the enforcement team access to its premises. Unlike other banks that readily complied with the strike and allowed access, this particular bank faced legal action for its non-compliance.
Addressing journalists regarding the indefinite strike, both labor leaders emphasized their intention to pursue legal action against the non-compliant bank. Despite attempts to engage with the branch manager of the bank, they were unable to obtain a comment on the matter.
The labor leaders reiterated that the strike is comprehensive and called for adherence to the directive, emphasizing the economic challenges affecting all Nigerians.
They also criticized the Federal Government for failing to fulfill promises to mitigate the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies, which has led to increased inflation in the country.
Workers Comply In Katsina
In Katsina, the NLC and TUC enforced full compliance to advocate for a new national minimum wage for workers and other related demands.
During a press briefing at the State NLC Secretariat Complex, the state NLC Chairman, Husaini Yanduna, highlighted the escalation of electricity tariffs and the government’s failure to implement the new minimum wage as the two primary issues the unions are addressing.
He reiterated the commitment to continue the strike until the government addresses their demands.
Yanduna noted the Federal Government’s apparent readiness to accommodate the strike action, as evidenced by recent appeals from the Senate and the House of Representatives for the suspension of the planned strike, rather than proactively addressing the underlying issues prompting the strike.
“The two chambers had within 48 hours passed the National Anthem Bill which was signed into law by the president. This is to show that, the national anthem is more important than the workers’ demand,” Yanduna said.
The TUC Chairman in the state, Muntari Ruma, expressed his satisfaction with the level of compliance observed across the state and the nation.
Channels Television conducted a monitoring exercise to assess compliance, revealing a complete shutdown of activities across the state. This included the closure of the State Secretariat Complex and various public and private organizations, with employees abstaining from work.
Through Monday’s strike action, the labor unions seek to exert pressure on the government to propose a higher minimum wage. Both congresses are advocating for a minimum wage of N494,000, which they deem necessary to adequately address the high cost of living.