Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has advised organized labor against proceeding with the planned nationwide strike on Monday.
Mohammed warned that such a strike could cripple the economy and exacerbate the hardships faced by Nigerian workers.
During visits to Alex Otti, Governor of Abia; Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo; and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee (NWC), Mohammed urged labor to reconsider the industrial action.
He cautioned that Nigeria could face “severe poverty” if the strike goes ahead.
“I have always aimed to ensure that workers receive the best in terms of welfare, salaries, and wages, but it must be within the limits of affordability for both sub-national and local governments,” Mohammed stated.
He pointed out that many state governors might struggle to meet the federal government’s wage agreements. “Even now, with the current N30,000 minimum wage, some states cannot pay it,” he added.
Recognizing the leadership qualities of labor leaders, Mohammed appealed to them to reconsider the strike, emphasizing that it could further harm the economy and cause additional suffering for workers and the general population.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced plans to start an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, demanding a new minimum wage of N494,000, while the Nigerian government has insisted on a maximum of N60,000.