…says state can’t pay consequential adjustment now

Nasarawa state governor, Abdullahi Sule, has confirmed that his administration is already paying N70,500 as the new national minimum wage to civil servants in the state.

The governor clarified that the demand from the state’s organized labour is not for the minimum wage but for a consequential adjustment, which the state government currently lacks the resources to fulfill.

He also dismissed claims that his administration has failed to implement the new wage, emphasizing that the N70,500 payment is already being carried out.

Governor Sule made the clarification while appearing as a guest on Arise TV Wednesday  night, monitored in Lafia by our correspondent.

The Governor however said that workers went on strike over the consequential adjustment that followed the implementation of the new minimum wage. 

He pointed out that Nasarawa State does not have the resources to almost double the salary of a worker already earning above the N70, 500 in the name of consequential adjustment. 

“Nasarawa State has already implemented the new minimum wage. We agreed on N70, 500. The challenge we are having with labour in Nasarawa State is not about the minimum but about the consequential adjustment.  

Read Also: Minimum wage: Kaduna NLC suspends strike for seven days

“They are referring to other people who are earning more than 70, 000. How much to give them as increment. For instance, somebody who is earning N30, 000 as minimum wage today he is getting N70, 500.

” That is an increment of 40, 500. Some of the people that are earning probably far more than that are also expecting some percentage over 100 percent. For example, somebody earning N800, 000 is expecting us to pay at least another N800, 000. That is the part we said we can not do that.  Nasarawa State does not have the resources to pay,” he stated.

While appealing for understanding, Governor Sule drew the attention of the striking workers to the fact that Nasarawa State is among the few states in the country that are up to date in the implementation of promotions for civil servants.

“Since we came, Nasarawa State has done all promotions to date. We are one of the few states in the federation.  In fact, the local government employees have their promotions all the way to July. The state workers had their promotions all the to 20th December 2023. We have paid that. We have finished with that,” he said.

…cites ongoing dialogue with govt

The Kaduna state chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has announced the suspension of its one-week warning strike for seven days to allow further negotiations with the state government.

The decision was reached after a State Executive Council (SEC) meeting late Monday night, following discussions with government representatives.

NLC Kaduna state chairman, Comrade Ayuba Magaji Suleiman, confirmed the suspension, stating that the union was giving the government time to address lingering issues related to the implementation of the new minimum wage. 

“We resolved, through a motion, to suspend the strike for another seven days to give the government space to revisit the table,” Suleiman said.

The strike was triggered by the government’s attempt to implement a minimum wage using a disputed template that created inequalities among workers. 

“They attempted paying a minimum wage with a different template, exempting some workers and paying others less, which led to our strike action,” Suleiman explained.

It will be recalled that activities across Kaduna State ministries and agencies were brought to a halt on Monday as the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) began a warning strike. 

The action was in protest against the government’s failure to implement the consequential adjustments agreed upon with the new minimum wage.

Read Also: Tinubu’s govt will stop hunger, fight insecurity – Wike

Despite the Kaduna State Government’s claim that it had complied with the minimum wage law by paying a minimum gross salary of N72,000, the organized labour maintained that the agreed adjustments had not been honored.

Suleiman said: “The National Monitoring Committee approved the suspension, acknowledging the tangible progress made. 

“The committee gave us the go-ahead since there was a concrete arrangement at hand.”

In a message to workers, Suleiman expressed appreciation for their solidarity and urged them to resume work. 

“We particularly thank Kaduna state workers for their support. They complied fully with the strike, and I want to assure them that their interests remain our priority,” he said.

He, however, encouraged workers to return to work on Wednesday, November 29, while assuring them that the NLC would continue to monitor the situation closely.

• NLC tackles Governor Nwifuru over threat to sack workers
• 75,000 minimum wage: Workers pledge support for Adeleke’s re-election

Government activities were grounded yesterday in three states and the six area councils of the  Federal Capital Territory(FCT)  following a work boycott by public workers over how the new minimum wage was being implemented.

The workers deserted the FCT area councils, government secretariats, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the affected states—Ebonyi, Kaduna, and Nasarawa —in compliance with the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) directive. 

The  governments of the states had announced a minimum wage to be paid but there was disagreement on the mode of implementation..

Ebonyi  approved  N75,000;  Nasarawa, N70,500 and  Kaduna, N72,000.  .

The Minimum Wage Act 2024 stipulates N70,000 for the least-paid worker.

FCT

In the FCT, the six area council chairmen were unable to stave off the strike with workers staying away from their duty posts.

Our correspondent who visited the Kuje Area Council and others noticed that offices were under lock and key.

A few workers, who were seen discussing in groups, dispersed after waiting for hours without a clear position on the matter.

Abdullahi Kabbi, President of the National Union of Local Government Employees, (NULGE), FCT chapter, told The Nation  that  the  “  FCT area councils will remain under lock and key until they implement the N70,000 minimum wage.’’

Kabbi added: “We don’t have any explanation as to why they have not started the minimum wage implementation.

“As directed by the union, we are to boycott all invitations for meetings, training, or programmes until our demands are met.

”Staff members of the  FCT area councils are demotivated, demoralised and have gradually been deactivated by the system

“We deserve fair treatment and compensation. Our demands must be met before we engage in any activities.

”We must comply with this(strike) directive to the fullest.”

He stated that the councils were yet to implement the 40 percent Peculiar Allowance, 25 percent  CONHESS/CONMESS Salary Increase,  salary adjustment, and pending arrears of hazard allowance, promotion arrears,   monetisation arrears, Arrears of COVID-19.

The NULGE chief listed the non-payment of  “ six-month wage award to area councils staff members and non-remittance of Pension deductions’’ as other issues that fuelled the strike.

Ebonyi

In Abakaliki where angry Governor Francis Nwifuru vowed to sack any striking worker  who failed to resume work by tomorrow, NLC President Joe Ajaero said his threat was “irresponsible and unhelpful.”

Nwifuru told reporters that he had directed all commissioners and heads of departments and agencies to open attendance registers to be used to determine those ready to work and those not ready.

His words: “If you didn’t go to work. not only that I will not pay your salary, but I will replace you within 72 hours if you are not seen in your office.

“ I have directed all the commissioners to go to their offices. All heads of departments of government and agencies must have records of the people who come to work.

“People that come to work will earn their salary through table payment and that will be based on the number of days they are in their offices. Anyone who fails to come to work  should  forget about state government.”  

The governor said even though the minimum wage law stipulates that the least paid worker should be paid   N70,000 per month, he magnanimously added N2,000.

He added that his government also made incremental salary adjustments for other categories of workers in the state.

Nwifuru said it was unfortunate that labour leaders opted to call for a strike instead of telling workers the truth.

But the NLC in a statement by Ajaero said it was ‘’dismayed’’ that  Nwifuru could threaten the state’s workers with sack.

It said the strike followed failed conversations and notices to the governor months after the minimum wage law came into being.   

The congress urged the striking workers   to sustain the momentum until the “governor sees the need to not only behave properly but pay the minimum wage in compliance with the law.”

It said further directives would be issued “in the coming hours.”

The statement reads: “We are dismayed by the statement credited to the Ebonyi State Governor, Mr Nwifuru that except the striking workers in the state over non-payment of the National Minimum Wage resume work immediately, they should consider themselves sacked.

“We recall that the strike action was preceded by failed conversations and notices to the Governor on the need to implement the 2024 national minimum wage since it was signed into law several months ago.

“The law has provisions for enforcement by workers. Besides this, strike action is a lawful/legitimate tool in the hands of aggrieved workers.

“In light of this, we consider the threats by the Governor as irresponsible and unhelpful.

“What a reasonable governor acting reasonably ought to have done was to invite the labour leaders in the state for dialogue for a speedy resolution of the facts in issue. But he thinks he is God.

“On our part, we want the world to know that Governor Nwifuru is the first to draw blood in a matter of which he is completely guilty.

“We also want the world to know that the right of response is available to us in pursuance of a just cause.

‘’Accordingly, the national secretariat of the congress has directed all the affiliates, including those in the private sector to immediately join in the strike action.

‘’It similarly urged the workers already on strike to not yield to the threats of the governor. They are to sustain the momentum until the governor sees the need to not only behave properly but pay the minimum wage in compliance with the Law.

“In the coming hours, further directives will be given as we deem fit.”

NLC Chairman in the state Ogugua Egwu said the strike recorded 90 percent compliance despite the late release of the circular on Sunday evening.    

Kaduna 

Activities in Kaduna State ministries and agencies were brought to a halt on Monday as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) commenced a one-week warning strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage’s consequential adjustments.

Our correspondent who monitored the strike around the Kaduna metropolis reported that apart from the state secretariat along the Independence Way and MDAs,  the water corporation and high court were the worst hit.

A civil servant who requested anonymity claimed that the salary increase was minimal, with increments ranging from N4,000 to N5,000.

The state NLC Chairman, Ayuba  Suleiman, had on Sunday insisted that the strike was in line with directives from the national leaderships of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress(TUC).

Suleiman explained that the strike was not about the state government accepting to pay the minimum wage but its failure to implement the agreed consequential increment.

TUC  also criticised  ‘’government’s unilateral implementation of the new wage, saying it was contrary to collective bargaining principles.

But  Governor Uba Sani defended his government’s position, stating that the least paid worker had an N72,000 salary in November.

He urged patience by the workers, citing the state’s limited revenue.

Read Also: Minimum wage strike call sparks states, Labour row

Nasarawa

  The state House of Assembly, Federal University Teaching Hospital,   state secretariat, and judicial system were the worst hit as they were completely shut by workers.   

Chairman of the NLC council Ismaila Okoh said the workers embarked on strike because the government was merely verbally committed to an N70,500 minimum wage.

Okoh said the government had failed to provide a written agreement specifying payment terms.

Perform or be fired, Adeleke warns Osun workers

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke warned workers in the state against bad attitudes that can negatively affect productivity and efficiency in the state’s civil service.

Adeleke gave the warning yesterday while addressing the workers in front of his office. They held a solidarity walk to appreciate the governor over the implementation of N75, 558.24 minimum wage and additional N25,000 for pensioners.

According to him, “they don’t call me talk and do governor for nothing, when I say something I do it. During the campaign I said my number one priority is to make sure our workers are happy.

“It’s a sin for someone to work and not get paid, that is not me, I wish Osun State allocation is like Lagos and Akwa Ibom’s own, I would have done more but no matter what with the little we are earning I’ll make sure you are happy.”

Adeleke promised to improve the tax system of the state for residents to get more dividends of democracy.

He said: “We are teaching them how to do politics without bitterness, because government is a continuum. All the abandoned projects, my government is doing it.

“I did not even sack the people they employed, all I do is that if you are going to do a good job, I won’t sack you but once you don’t do a good job, you are gone.”

Earlier, the Osun State chapter Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Chris Arapasopo commended Adeleke for the new minimum wage.

“We are going ask for more from the state and I urge our members to improve on service delivery,”, the Labour leader said.

The Government of Cross River has approved N70,000 as minimum wage for state civil servants effective Dec. 1.

The approval was given in addition to the consequential adjustment across all cadre of the state workforce.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that signing of the  agreement between the government and labour was reached following series of meetings that started on Thursday.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Monday Ogbodum while confirming the development, said that the unions will hold a congress on Monday to decide the next line of action.

“It is true that we have reached and signed agreement of the implementation of the new minimum wage with the government. This also includes the consequential adjustment.

Read Also: Minimum wage strike call sparks states, Labour row

“This agreement was reached taken the peculiarity of the state into consideration,” he stated.

On whether the labour will be joining the strike proposed to start this (Sunday) midnight, Ogbodum said, “we will be meeting on Modnay to decide on the next line of action.”

NAN reports that some state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will begin strike on Monday to demand the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage.

The decision follows alleged persistent delays by some state governments to adopt and implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.

The strike is expected to affect workers in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe, Zamfara, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

These states have reportedly failed to adopt the new wage structure, leaving workers frustrated.

(NAN)

• …reject state government’s wage offer

The organized labour in Ebonyi state has announced its participation in the nationwide strike declared by the National Leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), set to commence fully on Monday, December 2.

The state NLC chairman, Ogugua Egwu, disclosed this in Abakaliki, stating that while the union appreciates the existing working relationship with the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru, it rejects the state government’s unilateral wage award.

The state government had announced a N75,000 wage increase for workers on grade levels 1 and 2 and a N40,000 increment across the board for grade levels 3 to 16. 

However, the union argued that the offer falls short of meeting the requirements of the new minimum wage, prompting their decision to join the nationwide industrial action.

He said: “Recall that on the 2nd of October, 2024, through the Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, you inaugurated a Minimum Wage Implementation Committee. 

“Just about when the Committee was fine-tunning its presentation, the governor unilaterally pronounced a wage  award of NGN75,000 to grade levels 1 and 2, and NGN40,000 across board award for grade levels 3-16. 

This was done in a church service (Holy Mass in Government House Chapel) on the 27th October, 2024. 

Read Also: JUST IN: Katsina Govt, NLC, TUC sign agreement on 70,000 minimum wage

“This wage award which was christened “minimum wage” is averse to the traditional procedures  of implementing minimum wage no matter the magnitude of the beautiful intent with which the pronouncement was made”.

Egwu noted that when a minimum wage is pronounced, it goes through the rigours of consequential adjustments that will translate into an agreement signed by both the government and the Organised Labour. 

“The pronouncement made was not a product of any collective bargaining agreement as we were never part of any consultation that led to the said pronouncement.

“To make matters worse for Ebonyi workers, the salary chart forced on workers and currently used did not undergo any consequential adjustment and has consistently malnourished the takehome pay of workers as it lacks minimal progression”, he said.

The NLC chairman noted that the Implementation Committee set up by the state government has arrived at an acceptable salary chart with consequential adjustment and substantial progression. 

He, however, regretted that all efforts made by the Chairman of the Committee to bring the facts to the Governor’s notice have yielded no positive results. 

“Despite the ecrutiating pains of a depressed economy and low income of workers, we have been informed that workers are asked to pay the sum of NGN2,100 to participate in a staff audit exercise, which the government approved without any discussion and commitment from the side of workers’, he lamented.

The union noted that the wonderful relationship with the governor should have been an avenue for both parties to resolve these issues before any form of industrial disharmony.

“Even as we embark on this action, we still believe in the his kind disposition as a workers-friendly governor”, he added.

• …TUC faults ‘unilateral’ implementation, demands consequential adjustments 

Governor Uba Sani has commenced the implementation of the national minimum wage in Kaduna state, saying it is a misrepresentation for Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC) to claim that the state has defaulted.

A statement issued by the governor’s chief press secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa on Sunday, decried NLC’s lumping of Kaduna State with others, describing it ‘’as grossly unfair because the least paid worker received N72,000 as gross salary in the month of November.

“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has complied with the spirit and letter of the National Minimum Wage Law, by paying the lowest paid civil servant N72,000 last month. 

“NLC is harping on the issue of consequential adjustment but the labour body should realise that there is difference between salary increment and minimum wage,’’ the statement explained. 

According to the chief press secretary, “Kaduna State receives an average of N8 billion from Federal Account Allocation Committee(FAAC) from the centre every month. It also generates around N4 bn monthly. That translates to N12 billion revenue monthly.

“However, the monthly wage bill has jumped from N5.4 billion to N6.3 billion with the implementation of the Minimum Wage last month. And there is also the deduction of N4 billion for loan payment every month.

“So, the wage bill and the deduction have gulped over N10 million out of the total N12 billion revenue. That leaves only N2 billion for rural transformation, overhauling the health sector, revamping education and providing dividends of democracy to the people of Kaduna State,’’ he said.

Malam Ibraheem argued that it will be unfair for Kaduna state government to spend almost all its revenue on consequential adjustments, after paying the mandatory Minimum Wage.

“There are over 10 million people who are also entitled to the accrued revenue of Kaduna State. There are 84,827 civil servants in the state. So, it is unreasonable for Government to spend over 90% of its revenue on just about !% of the population,” he explained.

The spokesman pleaded with NLC to exercise patience over the consequential adjustments, pending when Government’s revenue improves, adding that Governor Uba Sani is Labour-friendly.  

The statement reminded that Kaduna State Government has already bought buses for civil servants which will convey them to and from work free of charge, as part of the palliatives to cushion the prevailing economic challenges.

Read Also: Minimum Wage: Cross River workers set for strike

Meanwhile, the Organized Labour has accused the State Government of unilateral implementation of the N72,000.00 new minimum wage, urging the government to to take the next step by approving the consequential adjustments to the salary tables as negotiated by the organized labour, 

The Kaduna State Council of Trade Union Congress (TUC) in a statement issued on Sunday by its Chairman,  Comrade, Abdullahi A. Danfulani said: “we were saddened after a careful study of the unilateral implementation of the N72,000.00 new minimum wage as announced by the Kaduna State Government. During the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of the congress held on the 30th November, 2024.

“The Council vehemently viewed it necessary to protest the unilateral manner by which the implementation of the consequential adjustments were made and this negates the principles of collective bargaining.

“However, we urge the State Government to take the next step by approving the consequential adjustments to the salary tables as negotiated by the organized labour, saying that, that will ensure that the benefits of the New Minimum Wage are felt across board and that workers at all levels receive a fair and equitable salary.

“We believe that this move will not only boost the morale of workers but also increase productivity and efficiency in the public services.

“Nevertheless, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Kaduna State is calling on the State Public Servants to please be more patient as the organized labour in the state will continue to press home their demands until victoria ascerta. 

Furthermore, the State Government is encouraged to see to the full implementation of the consequently adjustment report. Also, issue the establishment circular on the new salary tables of the report.

“While we appreciate the State Government for the consistent payment of workers’ salaries in the State and approval of workers of Kaduna State Water Corporation (KADSWAC) into the State payroll, payment of salary arrears and turn-around frame work for the revitalization of the plant In conclusion, we look forward to working with the State Government to ensure a smooth implementation of the new minimum wage and consequential adjustments.

“By this communiqué the council is issuing a one week warning strike ultimatum from the day this communiqué was released,” TUC said.

The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announced on Saturday that it will not be participating in a strike following national directives from the union’s leadership.

The state chapter dismissed rumours about an alleged strike planned for Monday, December 2, 2024, as false.

This decision followed an extensive discussion on minimum wage implementation during an enlarged meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) and State Advisory Council.

The state secretary, Comrade Aribatise Adebayo, explained that the union opted to suspend any potential strike action as the government-appointed committee is already engaged in positive discussions aimed at reaching a favorable consequential adjustment. 

This adjustment will align with the N80,000 minimum wage and an acceptable salary structure for the state workforce.

He further stated that the move would provide the committee with sufficient time to finalise the salary table and secure the necessary endorsements for implementation in the coming days.

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Comrade Adebayo said: “The attention of the Council had been drawn to a news circulating about Oyo State NLC declaring strike commencing from Monday 2nd December 2024.

“The SEC and SAC of the NLC Oyo State Council met on Thursday 28th November, 2024 and discussed extensively on the New Minimum Wage Implementation in Oyo State and later concluded that all forms of industrial actions be put on hold since the committee set up by the government is already having a robust discussion on a favourable consequential adjustment in accordance with the pronounced N80,000 and acceptable salary table for the entire workforce in the state.

“In view of this, the Oyo State Council of NLC will not be going on strike so as to give room for the committee on consequential adjustment to get the table completed with needed endorsement for implementation within the next couple of days.

“To this end, we wish to call on the entire workers of Oyo State to remain calm while the arrangement for a robust minimum wage table for Oyo State is concluded by the joint committee of the State Government and the Labour movement.”