- The strike, led by state Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman Comrade Oguguo Egwu, follows a directive from the NLC’s national body urging non-compliant states to implement the minimum wage
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has threatened to dismiss workers participating in a strike over his administration’s non-payment of the new ₦70,000 national minimum wage.
Nwifuru issued a 72-hour ultimatum on Monday, warning that striking employees who fail to resume work will be replaced. The strike, led by state Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman Comrade Oguguo Egwu, follows a directive from the NLC’s national body urging non-compliant states to implement the minimum wage.
The governor, expressing displeasure, argued that the National Assembly approved a minimum wage, not a blanket salary increase. He claimed his administration had begun implementing the new wage in October and had no outstanding obligations, including salaries, pensions, or gratuities.
Nwifuru also directed ministries to maintain attendance registers, stating that only workers who sign in will be paid. “Negotiations are unnecessary, as Comrade Egwu is not an employee of the state government,” he added.
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