NLC, FCTA workers protest at industrial court, demand Wike’s removal
Members of staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Monday picketed the national industrial court in Abuja as part of an ongoing total and indefinite strike over unresolved labour issues.
The protest followed a directive by the NLC declaring full support for the industrial action, which it described as justified in response to what it called persistent violations of workers’ rights by the FCTA management and political leadership.
The striking workers are demanding the removal of Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, alongside the resolution of outstanding labour-related grievances.
The NLC said the action would continue until the demands of the workers are addressed, warning that failure to do so could further disrupt administrative activities within the FCT.
BACKGROUND
Last Monday, offices across the FCTA and the FCDA were under lock and key as workers commenced an indefinite strike over “unmet demands” by the federal government.
The strike crippled activities across all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals.
The strike followed a directive by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) ordering workers across all cadres of the administration to withdraw their services from Monday, January 19, 2026.
The directive was contained in a statement dated January 8 and signed by JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh.
According to the unions, an ultimatum issued on January 7 expired without any meaningful engagement from management.
JUAC listed its grievances to include the non-payment of outstanding promotion arrears, delays in the conduct and release of promotion exercises, and the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries — a practice the unions said was stalling career progression for serving officers.
