Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has issued a stern warning to state workers participating in the ongoing strike over the implementation of the new minimum wage. Speaking on Monday in his office in Abakaliki, Nwifuru declared that any worker who fails to return to work within 72 hours will be replaced.

The warning comes in response to a one-week strike declared by the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Oguguo Egwu. The strike follows a directive from the national leadership of the NLC on November 8, 2024, for state councils to take action in states that have not fully implemented the new wage structure.

Nwifuru expressed dissatisfaction with the industrial action, arguing that the National Assembly’s bill mandated a minimum wage, not a salary increment. “The National Assembly did not legislate on salary increments; they passed a bill for a minimum wage. There is no cap on what can be paid to workers,” he said.

The governor insisted the strike was unwarranted, stating that Ebonyi had been compliant with the new minimum wage since October and that the state government had fulfilled its obligations regarding salaries, pensions, and gratuities.

“I am not owing any worker in this state,” Nwifuru asserted. “If you stay at home instead of working, you will be replaced within 72 hours. Attendance registers will be opened in all ministries and government offices, and only those who report for duty will be paid.”

Nwifuru also stated he would not negotiate with the NLC chairman, describing Comrade Egwu as not being a direct employee of the state.

Reports suggest that some government sectors, including primary and secondary schools, have largely ignored the strike directive and continued normal operations.