Nigeria: Workers go on strike over wage award non-implementation

Construction workers in Nigeria, represented by the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) and the Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA), staged a three-day strike over the non-implementation of wage awards in the industry. Led by NUCECFWW  President Stephen Okoro and CCESSA President Ayodeji Adeyemo, the unions demanded adherence to agreements between the federal government and organised labour. Despite attempts at negotiation, employers represented by the Nigerian Federation of Employers (FOCI) have ignored the unions' calls, prompting the strike action.

The strike was launched after after trade unions held a press conference on 25 January wherein they warned of an industrial action if their demands are not met.  They stressed the importance of honouring the wage award agreement and upholding workers' dignity as outlined by the Ministry of Labour. 

Ambet Yuson, General Secretary of the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), supported the trade unions' actions, urging all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve grievances. BWI also called on its global affiliates to stand in solidarity with the Nigerian construction workers as they fight for fair treatment in their industry.

As of writing, the wage dispute, which has broader implications for labour relations in Nigeria's construction industry, remains unresolved.