Abuja witnessed widespread disruption on Friday after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) threw its weight behind the ongoing total and indefinite strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), vowing to confront what it described as an “oppressive and insensitive” management.
In a statement issued by its President, Joe Ajaero, the labour centre accused the FCTA leadership of sustained wage abuse, diversion of workers’ entitlements, intimidation, and violations of both constitutional provisions and international labour standards.
The NLC said the industrial action, being coordinated by the Joint Unions Action Congress (JUAC), was justified and had become unavoidable, describing it as a courageous response to what it called years of mistreatment of workers within the capital’s administration.
According to the Congress, workers are being denied five months’ Wage Award as well as outstanding promotion arrears, describing the alleged non-payment as an illegal withholding of salaries and a direct attack on livelihoods.
The union also alleged that pension contributions and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions have not been remitted since May 2025, warning that the failure to pay into pension accounts leaves workers exposed after retirement and undermines the future of public servants.
The NLC described the alleged non-remittance as “economic sabotage,” insisting that deductions made from workers’ pay without remittance amount to systemic abuse.
Beyond salary issues, the Congress accused the FCTA of deploying harsh measures to suppress workplace dissent, including restricting phone use at work, intimidating staff, and detaining workers for involvement in union-related activities.
Following the escalation, the NLC directed all affiliate unions operating in the Federal Capital Territory to fully align with the strike, declaring that the dispute now extends beyond JUAC and affects the collective rights of workers across Abuja.
“This struggle is now the struggle of every worker in the FCT,” the NLC declared.
As part of its next steps, the labour centre ordered workers to mobilise to the National Industrial Court on Monday, January 26, 2026, when issues surrounding the dispute are expected to come up for hearing. It urged workers to turn out in large numbers, saying the court premises should reflect the presence of organised labour.
In a move the NLC described as both moral and spiritual reinforcement, the congress also announced daily prayer and solidarity sessions for workers across the FCT from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as the industrial action continues.
The union further instructed FCT labour groups to build alliances with civil society organisations, students, community groups and other stakeholders, insisting the standoff has evolved into a broader public struggle beyond workplace demands.
The NLC warned that its patience had run out and vowed to sustain pressure until the issues are resolved, assuring workers of full backing.