The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed all workers in the six area councils of the FCT to embark on an indefinite strike starting Sunday, December 1, 2024. This directive follows unresolved issues regarding the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage.
The decision, announced by the FCT NLC Council Chairman, Mr. Knabanyi Adalo, was outlined in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday. According to Adalo, the strike action aligns with the resolution of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on November 8, 2024, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Adalo explained that the NEC had previously appealed to area council chairmen to implement the new minimum wage. However, the council leaders failed to act on this demand. “The refusal to implement the minimum wage represents a gross violation of the law and shows a total disregard for the welfare and well-being of workers,” he stated.
The FCT NLC Chairman also highlighted additional grievances, including delayed payment of workers’ entitlements and outstanding salary arrears owed to primary school teachers within the area councils. He noted that despite repeated efforts to engage the council leaders, no meaningful action had been taken.
Adalo revealed that the NLC’s State Administrative Council held a meeting on November 12, 2024, where members unanimously resolved to follow the national directive to strike if the wage issue was not resolved by the end of November.
“All workers in the six area councils in the FCT are hereby directed to proceed on an indefinite strike beginning December 1, 2024, until further notice,” Adalo declared.
The NLC’s decision to mobilize workers underscores the growing tensions between organized labor and local government authorities over workers’ rights and welfare. The union has vowed to sustain the industrial action until all demands are met, urging workers to remain resolute and united in their quest for justice.
The strike is expected to disrupt essential services in the area councils, further intensifying pressure on the authorities to address the unresolved issues.