Workers in Kogi State have joined the nationwide strike called by the Organized Labour over the new national minimum wage. The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress enforced compliance with the strike in Lokoja, the state capital, by shutting down banks, petroleum stations, government ministries, and parastatals.
The strike had a significant impact on the city, with roads partially deserted as tricycle and motorcycle operators joined the strike in solidarity. The Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja was also affected, with the Chief Medical Director appealing for time to wind down due to critical patient cases, according to Daily Post.
Filling station managers and civil servants expressed support for the strike, citing the suffering of Nigerians under the current government. The strike highlights the demand for a living wage and better working conditions, with workers calling on the federal and state governments to meet their demands.
The nationwide strike continues, with workers and labour unions united in their quest for fair compensation and improved working conditions. The strike’s impact on the economy and citizens’ daily lives is significant, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to the dispute.
“This Government of Ahmed Bola Tinubu has succeeded in impoverishing many Nigerians for no reason. We thought electing the former Lagos State Governor would bring fresh air for Nigerians after the Buhari government took us 10 steps backwards.
”Many families today in Nigeria can hardly survive on three square meals due to the high cost of living.
If the government thinks the current minimum wage is sufficient for Nigerian workers given the current economic reality, let the President, Senators, House of Representatives members and other lawmakers receive the same wage as Nigerian Workers. Let us see if they will survive it. What we can see here is pure wickedness from our elected representatives who keep governing us for their selfish interest” they lamented.
Speaking to journalists on the ongoing strike, the Chairman of the enforcement team who also doubles as the Deputy State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Kogi, Opaluwa Eleojo said the actions of Labour will be sustained until the government bows to the clarion call of Nigerians who are suffering and dying of hunger.
