Rivers State On Edge As NLC Declares War Over Unpaid Local Government Workers

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday in Port Harcourt, NLC Chairman Alex Agwanwor expressed deep frustration over the situation, stating that local government workers had not received their wages since February. He warned that failure to clear all pending salaries, including March’s, would leave the union with no choice but to embark on industrial action.

“We demand that all outstanding salaries be paid by the end of March, and the full implementation of the minimum wage in all local government areas must be enforced,” Agwanwor declared.

He aligned the Rivers NLC with the national leadership of organized labour on the ongoing state of emergency in the state, emphasizing that workers should not be made to suffer due to political turmoil.

“The executive has also resolved that Rivers workers are non-partisan and should not be victims of the ongoing crisis,” he added.

Agwanwor stressed that the financial hardship faced by local government employees had worsened due to the salary delays and reiterated the union’s demand for the immediate payment of wages.

“The non-payment of salaries since February 2025 is unacceptable. We insist that the minimum wage be fully implemented at the local government level before the month ends,” he stated.

He warned that if these demands were not met, the NLC would take decisive steps, including mobilizing workers and initiating strike action.

Agwanwor concluded by urging the state government to prioritize workers’ welfare and shield them from the adverse effects of the ongoing political crisis.