The organised labour in Kwara State has constituted various teams to enforce the ongoing nationwide industrial action regarding the new minimum wage.

According to a news from Leadership, this decision was the result of a joint emergency congress held at the Labour House in Ilorin by the state councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). The congress was presided over by the state chairmen of NLC and TUC, Muritala Olayinka and AbdulRahman Onikijipa, respectively, and saw a substantial turnout of union members.

State NLC chairman, Comrade Muritala Olayinka, affirmed that the nationwide industrial action is now in effect in Kwara State. He explained that affiliates of the state council of NLC have been instructed to strictly enforce the directive from the national secretariat, which includes shutting down public offices.

State TUC chairman, AbdulRahman Onikijipa, noted that approximately 150 members have been mobilised to ensure compliance with the strike action, emphasising that citizens are enduring significant hardship.

Investigation showed on Monday that public schools and offices in Ilorin were under lock and key in keeping faith with the directive for industrial action.

LEADERSHIP observed that students of public schools such as St. Anthony Secondary School, Offa Road, GRA; Cherubim and Seraphim College, Sabo-Oke and Government Day Secondary School, Tanke, all in Ilorin, who had arrived their schools as early as 7am were turned back home.

However, final-year secondary school students who are currently sitting for the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) examinations were allowed into the school premises.

Our reporter’s visit to the state’s Teaching Service Commission, Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, State Secretariat Phase 1, along Offa Road, GRA and State High Court Complex on Lajorin Road, GRA, Ilorin, showed that they were totally shut down.