Organised Labour Threatens Total Shutdown Over Zamfara’s N70,000 Minimum Wage Violations
Unions issue 14-day ultimatum, demand reinstatement of sacked workers
Tensions escalated in Zamfara State on Tuesday as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) delivered a stern two-week ultimatum to the state government, demanding full compliance with the N70,000 minimum wage law or face a total paralysis of government operations.
Core Grievances
In a joint press briefing, NLC Chairperson Comrade Sani Halliru Kuryar and TUC Chairman Sa’idu Mudi accused the state of:
✔ Flawed wage implementation – Discrepancies in payments across ministries
✔ Unlawful dismissals – Retrenchment of civil servants without due process
✔ Breach of agreement – Violation of terms negotiated with labour unions
“The current implementation is not only disappointing but a direct violation of our agreement,” Kuryar stated. “We will not tolerate further exploitation of workers already battered by economic realities.”
Imminent Industrial Action
The unions warned of an indefinite statewide strike if Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration fails to:
- Standardize N70,000 payments for all civil servants
- Reinstate unlawfully terminated workers within 14 days
- Provide arrears for underpaid employees since the wage took effect
“Every government office, from schools to hospitals, will be shut down if our demands are ignored,” Mudi declared.
National Context
The standoff reflects broader minimum wage crises across Nigeria:
- 8 states yet to implement the N70,000 wage signed by President Tinubu in January
- 14 states reportedly paying selectively, triggering labour disputes
- NLC national leadership monitoring Zamfara as potential flashpoint for nationwide protests
Government’s Response
Zamfara’s Commissioner for Information Mannir Haidara acknowledged receipt of the ultimatum but declined specifics, stating: “We’re reviewing labour’s concerns and will engage in further dialogue.”
Economic analysts warn that a strike could cripple the state’s already fragile economy, where 72% of residents depend on government services.
Next Steps
The 14-day countdown expires on March 28, with labour leaders scheduling an emergency congress to decide escalation protocols. The situation mirrors 2022’s prolonged strikes in Taraba and Kano over similar wage disputes.
