Kwara State Faces Impending Industrial Unrest as Labour Issues Ultimatum to Government

The possibility of a significant industrial dispute is looming in Kwara State as organized labour has given the state government a 14-day ultimatum to meet its demands, failing which may lead to widespread unrest.

The demands, articulated by Murtala Saheed Olayinka (Nigeria Labour Congress), Tunde Joseph (Trade Union Congress), and Saliu Suleiman (Joint Negotiation Council), include the implementation of the N35,000 wage award for all categories of workers following the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidy.

At a press conference in Ilorin, the labour leaders also raised concerns about the state government’s failure to domesticate and implement a 40% peculiar allowance as approved by the federal government.

Additionally, they highlighted issues such as the non-payment of consequential adjustments to pensioners since the approval of the new minimum wage in 2019, outstanding arrears owed to local government workers, and inadequate funding of state-owned tertiary institutions.

The labour movement further expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of Kwara Hotel workers’ absorption and proper placement, as well as the redeployment of Water Corporation staff into the core Kwara Civil Service without appropriate placement.

The ultimatum was issued due to the state government’s alleged refusal to address these issues, which has raised concerns about the potential disruption of industrial harmony.

In a statement, the labour leaders stated, “The Labour Congress of Kwara workers has reviewed the unpalatable disposition of government towards Kwara workers and, therefore, given the Kwara State government a 14-day ultimatum, effective January 9, 2024, to address all issues raised and communicated before now.”

The statement further lamented the government’s failure to honor previous agreements with the labour unions, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the outstanding issues to avert a crisis.