Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi has condemned the Nigeria Labour Congress’ threat to go on strike, describing it as uncalled-for.

Kogi head of service, Hannah Onyinoyi-Odiyo, stated, “The report is currently receiving government attention, and the leadership of the organised labour in the state is aware of this development. As such, a warning letter for an impending strike is uncalled for at this point. I hereby reiterate that the welfare of workers remains a priority to the government.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kogi had on Monday threatened to go on strike, giving the government a two-week ultimatum to implement the minimum wage.

Onuh Edoka, NLC chairman in the state, at a press briefing, said, “All affiliates of the NLC in the state had given their commitments to fully mobilise their members for the industrial actions in protest over the non-implementation of the minimum wage.”

But Ms Onyinoyi-Odiyo explained, regarding the minimum wage committee set up by the government, that “the committee had concluded its assignment before the end of year 2021″ and submitted a report to Governor Yahaya Bello “this year.”

The Kogi official also urged the union to be sincere, pleading that “the truth should be told at all times” to maintain the “harmonious relationship between the organised labour and the state government.”

The HOS advised that “a little more patience is what is needed so that the efforts that had been put into the negotiation process by both parties so far will not be jeopardised.”

(NAN)