Abuja was largely paralysed on Wednesday following the decision of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to throw its full support behind the ongoing indefinite strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), declaring a total confrontation with what it described as an oppressive and insensitive leadership.
In a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC accused the FCTA management and political authorities of persistent abuse of workers’ rights, including unpaid wage entitlements, diversion of pension funds, intimidation of staff, and violations of both constitutional provisions and international labour standards.
The Congress described the industrial action, spearheaded by the Joint Unions Action Congress (JUAC), as a “necessary and heroic response” to what it called sustained and deliberate attacks on workers’ welfare and dignity.
According to the NLC, the FCTA has allegedly withheld five months’ wage awards and promotion arrears, describing the situation as a direct assault on workers’ livelihoods. It further alleged that pension contributions and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions have not been remitted since May 2025, a development it labelled as economic sabotage against both serving and retired workers.
“The failure to remit pensions condemns workers to a life of poverty in old age. This is capital accumulation by dispossession, plain and simple,” the Congress stated.
The NLC also accused the FCTA of deploying harsh and authoritarian measures to suppress dissent, including restrictions on phone usage at workplaces, intimidation of staff, and the arrest of union activists.
In response to these allegations, the Congress ordered an immediate escalation of the strike across the Federal Capital Territory, directing all its affiliate unions to fully align with the action.
“This struggle is now the struggle of every worker in the FCT,” the statement declared.
The NLC further directed workers to mobilise in large numbers to the National Industrial Court on Monday, January 26, 2026, when matters related to the dispute are scheduled for hearing. Workers were urged to fill the court premises “with the dignified presence of the working class” as a show of unity and solidarity.
In a move described as unusual, the Congress also announced compulsory daily prayer and solidarity sessions for workers across the FCT from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., saying the gatherings would serve as spiritual and moral support to sustain the struggle.
Additionally, the NLC mandated its affiliates to build alliances with civil society organisations, student groups, and community activists, warning that the dispute had moved beyond labour concerns to become a wider people’s struggle. It also cautioned that further actions would be taken if the issues were not resolved promptly.
As of press time, activities across several FCTA offices and public services in Abuja remained shut down, intensifying tension in the nation’s capital and raising concerns over the economic and administrative impact of the escalating labour dispute.
Abuja Grounded as NLC Backs Indefinite FCTA Workers’ Strike, Vows Total Showdown
