Workers in Niger State have commenced an indefinite strike following the failure of the state government to meet their demands.
The strike, spearheaded by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was initiated following prolonged dissatisfaction with the state’s handling of worker welfare issues.
Idrees Lafene, the state NLC chairman, alongside Ibrahim Gana, representing the Trade Union Congress, issued the directive for workers to commence the strike, effective Wednesday at 8 am.
In a letter addressed to Governor Mohammed Bago and signed by Lafene and Gana, the NLC expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to meet their demands and reiterated their commitment to the strike action, which began at 8 am on Wednesday.
Efforts by the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, to avert the strike by scheduling a meeting on Tuesday afternoon were futile. Despite assurances of the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue, the planned meeting did not take place, leading to confirmation from a reliable source within the organised labour union that the strike would proceed as planned.