Kwara State, Nigeria — Despite recent accolades labeling Governor AbdulRazaq as a ‘labour-friendly governor,’ Organized Labour in Kwara State has issued a 14-day strike notice, citing concerns over poor workers’ welfare and unmet demands.
The state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), and Trade Union Congress (TUC) jointly delivered the ultimatum on Monday. Comrade Muritala Shaheed, Comrade Saliu Suleiman, and Comrade Tunde Joseph, the chairmen of the respective unions, expressed dissatisfaction with the governor’s lack of response to issues affecting both formal and informal sectors, encompassing economic, psychological, physical, and moral aspects.
The union leaders highlighted various unaddressed demands, including the non-implementation of the N35,000 wage award, refusal to domesticate and implement a 40% peculiar allowance, non-payment of consequential adjustment to pensioners, lack of willingness to pay Local Government Workers Outstanding Arrears, outstanding arrears of promotion for 2020, 2021, and 2022, and inadequate funding of state-owned tertiary institutions, among others.
In a statement obtained by The Informant247, the union leaders expressed their frustration, stating, “The Organized Labour in Kwara State is constrained, given the blatant refusal of the State Government to heed these demands by Workers of Kwara State, and this raises fear for industrial peace and harmony.”
The ultimatum, effective from January 9th, 2024, urges the state government to address these issues within the specified timeframe to avoid a potential labor strike.
Contrary to the recent appreciation expressed by NLC chairman Muritala for the governor’s prompt payment of salaries and the promotion of workers, the looming strike threat indicates a growing dissatisfaction among workers.
The unions emphasized the need for the government to honor agreements and address the various challenges faced by Kwara State workers.