NLC announces indefinite strike action

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has ordered its members in states that are yet to commence the implementation of the new minimum wage to commence an indefinite strike, beginning from December 1, 2024.

The directive is part of the resolutions of the NLC after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the weekend.

“The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship. It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.

“The NEC therefore resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights. Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.

“To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November, 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” the NLC communique read in part.

The Plateau State Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission, on Friday, concluded a series of activities aimed at reducing road accidents during the 2024 ember months with a call on travellers to report reckless driving in order to achieve the objective.

The campaign, tagged “Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers Than Drivers,” kicked off on November 6, 2024, in Jos, the state capital, with a press briefing, town hall meeting, fliers distribution to the members of the public as well as motorcade carnival to sensitise the people.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in the state, Maxwell Plateau, emphasised the need for behavioural change among drivers.

He stressed that passengers have the right to a safe drive and encouraged them to caution drivers who violate road rules.
We must appreciate the selfless services the transport subsector in the country ensures that the movement of people, goods, and services get to their destinations safely.

“However, we must be deliberate in playing our role to maximize safety. As such, FRSC will, at this critical moment, intensify, increase visibility, provide prompt response to rescue, and add more gravity to the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations to ensure our safety. However, passengers also have their own roles to play.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed appreciation to members of the Edo State Security Council, commending the Council for providing the State with adequate security and necessary surveillance.

The Governor noted that their collaborative efforts with the government and citizens of the State have gone a long way in improving security situation in the State.

Obaseki made this known on Friday November 8, 2024, at the valedictory Security Council Meeting by his administration, held at the State Government House, with representatives from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Prisons Service, Immigration Service, Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and other relevant security agencies.

According to the Governor, “We are blessed to have worked with these agencies who by adopting the right technology were able to provide a security blanket over Edo State, such that today, we have a Security Information Management System second to none in this country.

“It is one thing to have security but what is also important is the perception of security. I would say that the giant strides made by my administration in the last few years speak to the fact that the capacity to deal with security issues in Nigeria exists; the people to do the job exist; it is all about working with them and supporting them to perform their duties. We are hoping that the successive administration will continue to work with them.

Obaseki added: “The only thing I can do is to thank you, because we cannot reward you enough. When I look back, I want to say thank you for all you did, because I am leaving Edo much better security-wise. And my advice to the incoming administration is to take security seriously.

“Do not prioritize politics over security, and the citizens too must continue to demand for a secure environment, because we have shown over the last 8 years that it is possible; shown that we have men and women who have the capacity and training to offer security services to the people.

“As I step out of office, I know my success has been largely due to the support I received from you to ensure that we have a safe and secure State. Please keep it up. Continue with the structures we have put on ground. Keep that cooperation that made you very effective, so we can continue to provide security to our people.”