Niger workers begin indefinite strike
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.
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.
He assured the general public that the administration of Bago is people and labour-friendly and remains open to dialogue and negotiations that will move Niger State forward.
Meanwhile, when PUNCH Online contacted Lafene on the outcome of the meeting, his phone line was switched off.
However, a reliable source in the organised labour union who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that the meeting failed to hold and, as a result, the strike would still go on as planned.
Attempts this morning by PUNCH Online to speak with the labour leader failed as his phone line was still switched off.
Another source said that the leadership of the union has urged all branches to mobilise their members for total compliance.
“As usual, the situation room will be open as soon as the strike action begins. We shall continuously update you on the progress of the strike action as it unfolds. We seek your cooperation as we battle the government to better the welfare of all Nigerians.
“The insensitivity of the government to the plight of the ordinary Nigerian portends a very grave danger to all and sundry if the only voice of the voiceless is indifferent,” the source noted.
Meanwhile, several attempts to reach the Information Officer of the SSG, Tanko Lawal, who signed the statement of the proposed meeting between the organised labour and the state government on Tuesday, failed as his phone line failed to connect.
