Civil servants in Niger State in the Northcentral region of Nigeria have commenced an indefinite strike under the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The strike action came was embarked on as the state government failed to have their demands met.
The chairman of the NLC state chapter, Idrees Lafene, and the Trade Union Congress state chairman, Ibrahim Gana, had directed civil servants in the state to down their tools.
The reason stated was the state government’s failure to keep negotiations ongoing concerning the welfare of the workers and to improved running of the affairs of Niger State.
The indefinite strike commenced on Wednesday despite a meeting called on Tuesday afternoon by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, in a bid to resolve issues with the labour unions.
The SSG stated that there is a cordial relationship between Governor Mohammed Bago and organised labour, adding that all lingering issues will be addressed.
“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,” Usman said.
However, an anonymous source disclosed that the said meeting did not hold as planned, hence the indefinite strike would proceed.
“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 souce disclosed.
“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.”