Workers in Kwara State joined their counterparts across the country on Monday in observing the industrial strike action declared by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to demand a new minimum wage.
The strike resulted in a complete shutdown of government activities in the Ilorin metropolis and surrounding areas, with government offices, schools, and courts all remaining closed.
Speaking with journalists after inspecting the level of compliance, the state Chairman of the Labour Union, Saheed Murtala Olayinka, expressed satisfaction with the turnout.
He said the situation on the ground and the positive response of workers to the directives showed that the people were tired.
Olayinka explained that the union would continue to go around to ensure the full mobilisation of workers.
He said the union adopted the sit-at-home strategy on the strike to prevent possible hijack of the protest.
The chairman urged the government to urgently do the needful to save workers from suffering.
Also speaking, the state Chairman Trade Union Congress, TUC, Abdulrahman Onikijipa, said the two unions will join hands to ensure the success of the strike.
However, doctors in government medical facilities will be on duty, sources in the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Kwara State branch informed DAILY POST.
“NMA is not a member of NLC and as such medical doctors are not on strike.
“But note that because the care of patients is a team work and all other members of the team are on strike. Doctors will be available to run skeletal services and respond to emergencies,” the source added.
