The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on workers to stage a mass demonstration at the National Industrial Court in Abuja on Monday, escalating its stand-off with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The move follows legal action filed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike against striking workers, who are protesting alleged wage arrears and withheld benefits.
NLC President Joe Ajaero said the national leadership has formally taken over the dispute, framing it as a wider struggle for workers’ rights. “The FCTA’s actions amount to bureaucratic oppression and exploitation,” Ajaero said after an emergency meeting with leaders of the Joint Unions Action Council (JUAC). “This is no longer just a labour dispute; it is a people’s struggle against an insensitive administration.”
Ajaero directed all FCT workers to converge at the Industrial Court on Monday to demonstrate solidarity. The NLC has also introduced compulsory daily prayer and solidarity sessions across the territory, running from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and encouraged alliances with civil society groups, student organizations, and community activists to broaden support.
The Congress highlighted the grievances driving the strike: alleged illegal withholding of five months’ wages and promotion arrears, non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund contributions since May 2025, and intimidation of workers. “The patience of the working class is exhausted,” Ajaero warned, insisting that the NLC would sustain and intensify the action until the issues are addressed and the dignity of workers restored.
