The Nigeria Labour Congress, 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 in the state, Comrade Isiah Elachochi-Eigege, disclosed that about 75 percent of the affected workers, who include members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, and National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives have yet to receive their salaries.
The NLC noted that the delay stemmed from the workers’ failure to complete their registration with the Kwara State Resident Registration Agency, which the government had mandated earlier in the year.
The union appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to intervene, warning that failure to pay the November salaries 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 per cent of workers in the state, primarily local government employees, have not received their salaries for November 2024,” the statement read in part.
The NLC also rejected the idea of paying December salaries without first clearing the outstanding wages for November, threatening to invoke labour laws and declare an industrial action if the issue is not resolved by Thursday, December 19, 2024.
The statement read further, “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.”
Reacting to the situation, the state government reiterated its position on the matter.
In a statement issued on December 2, 2024, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru explained that the delay in salary payments was due to the failure of some workers to complete their KWSRRA registration.
She said, “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).
“The registration has been open for over six months, giving ample time for compliance. This process ensures payroll integrity, enhances data-driven planning, and promotes public accountability.”
Nuru advised affected workers to visit the nearest KWSRRA offices to resolve pending issues and complete their registration.
“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,” the statement added.
The NLC, however, maintained that the delay in salary payments was unacceptable and called on the government to expedite action to avert a looming crisis.
