The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has thrown its weight behind the indefinite strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, describing the dispute as a decisive stand against what it called oppressive and insensitive management practices.
In a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC accused the FCTA leadership of sustained wage abuse, diversion of workers’ entitlements, intimidation, and violations of constitutional provisions and international labour standards. The Congress said the action, coordinated by the Joint Unions Action Congress, JUAC, became inevitable after years of unresolved grievances within the administration.
At the centre of the dispute are allegations that workers were denied five months’ wage awards and outstanding promotion arrears, which the NLC described as unlawful withholding of salaries and a direct threat to workers’ livelihoods. The Congress also alleged that pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions have not been remitted since May 2025, warning that the failure places workers at risk after retirement.
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The NLC described the alleged non-remittance as economic sabotage, arguing that deductions without remittance amount to systemic abuse. It also accused the FCTA of suppressing dissent through workplace intimidation and restrictions linked to union activities.
Following the escalation, the Congress directed all its affiliate unions in the FCT to fully comply with the strike, declaring the dispute a collective struggle for workers’ rights in Abuja. It further ordered workers to mobilise to the National Industrial Court on Monday, January 26, 2026, when the matter is scheduled for hearing, to demonstrate organised labour’s resolve.
The NLC also announced daily prayer and solidarity sessions across the FCT from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while calling for support from civil society groups, students, and community organisations, signalling a broadening of the confrontation beyond workplace demands.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
