WORKERS in Niger State have downed tools this morning following a directive by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The indefinite strike came about after the state government failed to meet their demands.
The state chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Idrees Lafene, and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Ibrahim Gana, had on Monday directed civil servants in the state to commence an indefinite strike over what they described as the failure of the state government to continue negotiations on issues affecting the welfare of the workers and the smooth running of the state.
The labour has asked the state government to reverse all political appointments as Executive Directors of Finance, Operations and Administration in agencies.
It also asked the government to reverse the appointments of chairmen, members and permanent commissioners of Local Government Service Commission and Civil Service Commission as well as appointments of directors general of some agencies.
Other demands include “a clear statement by the government on payment of wage award.”
The organised labour, however, warned the state government against appointment of civil servants that are not qualified as permanent secretaries while asking the government to withdraw the appointment of a vice principal on secondment as permanent secretary to allow for career progression from within.
The organised labour also warned the state government to desist from victimising teachers and members of the educational sector following the recent primary school’s debate in Agaie which the government alleged a pupil to have used vulgar and violent language against the federal government.
“We wish to formally inform the government that effective 8am on Wednesday, the 21st February, 2024, Niger State workers shall commence an indefinite strike action until our demands are comprehensively met,” the memo read in part.
However, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, in a move to avert the strike informed journalists that a meeting to iron out issues with labour was slated for Tuesday afternoon.
He noted that the Mohammed Bago administration was enjoying a cordial relationship with the organised labour, assuring all that contentious issues would be addressed in the best interest of the state.
“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.
