Organized labor in Niger State has declared an indefinite industrial strike starting today, February 21, 2024.

The decision was communicated in a letter jointly signed by the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Idris A. Lafene, and the state chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Ibrahim Gana, addressed to the Niger State government through the office of the Secretary to the State Government.

The letter outlined the reasons for the industrial action, citing unresolved disputes between the state government and organized labor.

The labor unions have presented a set of demands that they expect the government to address for the strike to be called off.

Among the demands, organized labor is requesting the reversal of political appointments as Executive Directors of Finance, Operations, and Administration in various agencies.

They also seek the reversal of appointments for chairmen, members, permanent commissioners of the Local Government Service Commission and Civil Service Commission, as well as directors-general of certain agencies.

Additionally, the labor unions are calling for a clear government statement regarding the payment of wage awards.

They cautioned against the appointment of unqualified civil servants as permanent secretaries, urging the withdrawal of the appointment of a vice principal on secondment as a permanent secretary to allow for career progression from within.

The labor unions warned the state government against victimizing teachers and members of the educational sector, particularly in response to the recent primary school debate in Agaie, where the government alleged a student used vulgar and violent language against the federal government.

The memo concluded with a clear indication of the commencement of the indefinite strike: “We wish to formally inform the government that effective 8 am on Wednesday, the 21st February 2024, Niger State workers shall commence an indefinite strike action until our demands are comprehensively met.”