Nasarawa State Government and organized labour have reached agreement over a new minimum wage pegged at N70, 500, bringing to an end the over two weeks strike action embarked by workers in the state.
The agreement was signed during a meeting with the Acting Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe with officials of the organized labour comprising the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) which held at the Government House on Monday.
The Acting Governor expressed his satisfaction that the state government and organized labour were finally able to reach an agreement after prolonged negotiations.
He pointed out that following the enactment of the new minimum wage by the Federal Government, Nasarawa State being law-abiding has no option than to also 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,” he stated.
Dr Akabe assured workers in the state that no member of the organized labour would be victimized as a result of the strike action.
“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 now the organized 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 organized labour for their understanding and continued sacrifice, the Acting Governor emphasized 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 a remarks, Nasarawa State Head of Service (HOS), Abigail Waya, on behalf of the entire workforce, 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 stated.
On his part, Chairman of the Nasarawa State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ismaila Ayuba 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 organized 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 organized labour has suspended the over two weeks strike embarked upon in order to press home their demands.
In a bulletin released after its executive council meeting, the organized labour announced the suspension of the strike, directing workers to resume work immediately.
Part of the bulletin reads: “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 victimized on account of participation in the strike action.”
