Civil servants in Cross River State have begun a warning strike over the state government’s failure to implement the new minimum wage.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, had earlier announced November 25 and 26 as dates for the industrial action, emphasizing that a total strike would follow if the government fails to address their demands by December 1.
Governor Bassey Otu, in a plea to the unions, urged them to reconsider their decision and align with the government’s efforts to improve the well-being of citizens.
The governor made the appeal during the 5th edition of the State Solemn Assembly held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers.
“I enjoin them to support the government in the quest to improve the lot of our people.”
On July 29, 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed a landmark bill into law, raising the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000.
Subsequently, on November 11, the NLC set a November 30 deadline for all state governments to comply with the new wage policy. The union directed its members to initiate an indefinite strike in states that fail to implement the new minimum wage by the deadline.
Despite the ultimatum, many states have already commenced implementation of the revised wage structure, signaling progress in adopting the new legislation.
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