The labor union in Niger State has declared an indefinite industrial strike set to commence today, Wednesday. In a letter directed to the Niger State government through the office of the Secretary to the State Government, jointly signed by Idris A. Lafene, the state chairman of the NLC, and Ibrahim Gana, the state chairman of the TUC, the organized labor specified that the strike would persist until the government addresses all outstanding issues with the labor union.

The labor union has urged the state government to reverse the political appointments of Executive Directors of Finance, Operations, and Administration in various agencies. Additionally, it has called for the reversal of appointments for chairmen, members, and permanent commissioners of the Local Government Service Commission and Civil Service Commission, along with appointments of directors-general in certain agencies. Among other demands is a request for a clear statement from the government regarding the payment of the wage award.

However, the organized labor cautioned the state government against appointing unqualified civil servants as permanent secretaries and urged the withdrawal of the appointment of a vice principal on secondment as a permanent secretary to facilitate internal career progression. Furthermore, the labor union warned the state government against victimizing teachers and members of the education sector, particularly in light of the recent primary school debate in Agaie, where the government alleged a pupil used inappropriate language against the federal government.

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