The planned December 1 strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) appears to be losing momentum as several state chapters have announced their withdrawal. This development comes after some states reached agreements with their respective governments over the implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage approved by President Bola Tinubu in July.

While many states, including Lagos and Rivers, have already pledged to pay above the stipulated minimum wage, with figures as high as N85,000, others have either delayed implementation or remain in negotiations. Notably, 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory have yet to implement the new wage, citing various challenges.

States Withdrawing from the Strike
In Imo State, the NLC chairman, Uche Chigaemezu, confirmed that the union will not participate in the strike, as Governor Hope Uzodimma has demonstrated commitment to implementing the new wage. Sokoto State followed suit, with the NLC secretary announcing their withdrawal after the state government approved the N70,000 minimum wage starting January 2025.

Oyo State’s organized labor unions also distanced themselves from the strike, emphasizing ongoing negotiations and a positive relationship with the government. Similarly, Katsina’s NLC and TUC chapters opted out after reaching an agreement for implementation starting December. Akwa Ibom’s TUC expressed satisfaction with progress at the committee level, ruling out participation in the industrial action.

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States Confirming Participation
However, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Zamfara, and the FCT remain firm in their resolve to proceed with the strike. The NLC in these areas cited the non-implementation of the new wage and arrears as reasons for their decision. In Kaduna, the NLC chairman, Ayuba Suleiman, stated that preparations for the strike are complete, while Nasarawa’s leadership issued strike notices to workers across the state.

The FCT chapter also expressed frustration over unpaid entitlements and delays in implementing the wage, directing workers in its six area councils to embark on an indefinite strike. Zamfara’s NLC confirmed their participation, stressing the lack of payment for the new wage.

NLC’s Firm Stance
Despite these divisions, the NLC at the national level has dismissed excuses from state chapters withdrawing from the strike. The union’s national treasurer, Akeem Ambali, emphasized that partial compliance or verbal commitments without formal agreements would not suffice. He warned that states delaying implementation until January 2025 or making empty promises would face industrial action.

The NLC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Benson Upah, echoed this sentiment, insisting that only full implementation of the minimum wage could avert the strike.

Negotiations in Progress
Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing in some states. Jigawa workers will have to wait until December for implementation, despite the governor’s approval. In Zamfara and Cross River, committees have been set up to finalize modalities for the new wage, with assurances from government officials that implementation will follow.