Kwara NLC Demands Release Of Withheld November Salaries, Threatens Industrial Action
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kwara State chapter, has called on the state government to release the withheld November 2024 salaries of workers across the 16 local government areas.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NLC Secretary, Comrade Isiah Elachochi-Eigege, revealed that about 75 percent of affected workers—comprising members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM)—have not received their wages.
The NLC attributed the salary delay to the workers’ failure to complete their registration with the Kwara State Resident Registration Agency (KWSRRA), a process mandated by the state government earlier in the year.
NLC Warns of Industrial Unrest
The union appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene urgently, warning that any further delay could lead to industrial unrest.
“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. It is surprising that more than 75 percent of workers in the state, primarily local government employees, have not received their salaries for November 2024,” the NLC stated.
The union further rejected the idea of paying December salaries while the outstanding November salaries remain unpaid. It threatened to invoke labour laws and embark on industrial action if the matter is not resolved by Thursday, December 19, 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,” the statement read.
State Government’s Response
In response to the NLC’s concerns, the Kwara State government reiterated its stance on the matter through a statement released on December 2, 2024, by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru.
Dr. Nuru explained that the delay in salary payments stemmed from workers’ failure to complete their mandatory registration with the Kwara State Resident Registration Agency (KWSRRA).
“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).”
She added that the registration process, which has been open for over six months, was designed to ensure payroll integrity, enhance data-driven planning, and promote 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,” Nuru stated.
The commissioner urged affected workers to visit the nearest KWSRRA offices to resolve pending issues and complete their registration.
NLC’s Stand
Despite the state government’s explanation, the NLC insisted that the delay in salary payments remained unacceptable, stressing that the government must expedite action to avert a looming crisis.
The union’s warning highlights rising tensions and underscores the urgency for both parties to resolve the matter amicably, ensuring the well-being of affected workers while maintaining industrial harmony in the state.
