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Kwara NLC threatens strike over withheld November salary

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kwara State chapter, has threatened to embark on an industrial action, if the state government fails to release the withheld November 2024 salaries of workers across the 16 local government areas.

The NLC issued the threat in a statement released by its State Secretary, Comrade Isiah Elachochi-Eigege, on Tuesday.

Elachochi-Eigege disclosed that about 75 percent of the affected workers, who include members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, and National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives are yet to receive their salaries.

He noted that the delay stemmed from the workers’ failure to complete their registration with the Kwara State Resident Registration Agency, which the government had mandated earlier in the year.

The union also appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene, warning that failure to pay the November salaries could lead to industrial unrest.

The statement reads: “The Kwara State workers under the umbrella of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) wish to draw the attention of the state government to the non-payment of November 2024 salaries.

READ ALSO: NLC president, Ajaero, laments Nigeria’s harsh realities, vows to continue fight for fair wages

“It is surprising that more than 75 per cent of workers in the state, primarily local government employees, have not received their salaries for November 2024.

“The NLC hereby calls on the state government to effect the full payment of November 2024 salaries to avoid invoking labour laws for a total shutdown of the state.”

However, in a statement issued on December 2, 2024, the State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru did explain that the delay in salary payments was due to the failure of some workers to complete their KWSRRA registration.

Nuru said: “Many state government workers have received their November salaries, with others still being credited, except for those yet to complete their registration with the Kwara State Resident Registration Agency (KWSRRA).

“The registration has been open for over six months, giving ample time for compliance. This process ensures payroll integrity, enhances data-driven planning, and promotes public accountability.

“The state government is committed to the prompt payment of salaries, which has been a hallmark of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration. The November salary disbursement is being done in batches, and local government workers and SUBEB teachers are already being paid after KWSRRA clearance.”

The NLC, however, maintained that the delay in salary payments was unacceptable and called on the government to pay the workers in order to avoid any unrest.

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