Civil servants in Niger State, organized under the Nigeria Labour Congress, have initiated an indefinite strike, citing the government’s failure to address their demands.
The strike, scheduled to commence at 8 am on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, was confirmed in a letter addressed to Governor Mohammed Bago.
The letter, signed by Idrees Lafene (NLC Chairman) and Ibrahim Gana (Trade Union Congress Chairman), highlighted unresolved issues, including appointments in dispute and the need for a clear statement on wage awards.
The organized labour emphasized its commitment to the governor’s New Niger Agenda while expressing openness to negotiations.
“We wish to formally inform the Government that effective 8am on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 that Niger State workers shall commence an indefinite strike action until our demands are comprehensively met.
“Meanwhile, we wish to reiterate that our doors are open for negotiation subject to : Conveyance of formal invitation, reversal of all appointments in dispute ie, Executive Directors Finance, Executive Directors Admin and Executive Directors Operations, Chairman, members and permanent commissioners of local Government Service Commission and Civil Service Commission, Directors General DGs of some agencies
“A clear statement by the government on payment of wage award.
“We also wish to stress that the idea of appointing Permanent Secretaries who are not eligible and within the service will no longer be tolerated by the Organised Labour.
“Accordingly we call on the government to withdraw the recent appointment of a Vice Principal on secondment as a Permanent Secretary to allow for career progression from within.
“We also call on the government to desist from victimising teachers and members from the educational sector as a result of the recent debate by some primary school pupils in Agaie LGA.”
