Civil servants in Niger State to Commence Indefinite Strike Wednesday

Civil servants in Niger State, affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have unanimously decided to initiate an indefinite strike in order to communicate their grievances to the state government.

Set to begin at 8 am on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the strike follows the state government’s inability to address the demands presented by the NLC during previous negotiations.

In a letter directed to Governor Mohammed Bago, signed by NLC Chairman Idrees Lafene and Trade Union Congress Chairman Ibrahim Gana, the NLC expressed deep disappointment at the government’s failure to fulfill their demands. They have affirmed their unwavering commitment to the strike until their concerns are addressed.

The letter read in part, “We are writing in furtherance to our earlier letter of ultimatum Ref no. OL/NS/040/GEN/Vol 4/29 dated 20/12/23 and the deadlock on settlement of issues as a result of negotiations with the Niger State Government Committee.

“We wish to formally inform the government that effective 8am on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Niger State workers will commence an indefinite strike action until our demands are comprehensively met.

The union has made several key demands, including the reversal of contested appointments such as those of Executive Directors, Chairpersons, members, and permanent commissioners of the Local Government Service Commission and Civil Service Commission, as well as Directors General of certain agencies.

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Additionally, they have urged the government to issue a clear statement regarding the implementation of wage awards. The NLC emphasizes the importance of promoting career progression within the civil service and urges the government to discontinue the appointment of Permanent Secretaries from outside the service.

Furthermore, they are calling for an end to the victimization of teachers and members of the educational sector, particularly in response to a recent incident involving a debate among primary school pupils in Agaie LGA.

“We also wish to stress that the idea of appointing Permanent Secretaries who are not eligible and within the service will no longer be tolerated by the Organised Labour.

“Accordingly, we call on the government to withdraw the recent appointment of a Vice Principal on secondment as a Permanent Secretary to allow for career progression from within.

“We also call on the government to desist from victimising teachers and members from the educational sector as a result of the recent debate by some primary school pupils in Agaie LGA.”

The labor union reiterated their willingness to negotiate, emphasizing that they are open to discussions if the government fulfills their conditions. They reaffirmed their dedication to Governor Bago’s New Niger Agenda.

Nevertheless, the NLC highlighted the absence of any response to their earlier communications, prompting the initiation of the strike.