The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the Federal Capital Territory Administration management and political leaders of wage exploitation, worker intimidation, and neglect of statutory responsibilities.
Expressing its complete backing for the indefinite strike by the FCTA workers, the NLC called the action warranted and essential due to what it labeled ongoing violations of workers’ rights.
Employees of the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority began an indefinite strike on Monday following the end of a seven-day ultimatum, halting operations in key government offices in Abuja.
The strike halted activities at the FCTA Secretariat, leading to the mobilization of personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force to limit entry to the premises.
Although the FCTA management asserted that many of the workers’ demands were addressed, the Joint Union Action Congress countered this statement, maintaining that the problems at hand remained unsolved.
Following discussions with JUAC leaders on Friday, the labor organization stated that the strike was initiated due to a petition from JUAC, outlining purported intentional actions against employees in the country’s capital.
The statement was endorsed by Joe Ajaero, the president of the NLC.
“Their ongoing total and indefinite strike action is not merely justified; it is a necessary and heroic response to a vicious cocktail of neoliberal attacks, gross administrative impunity, and a systematic violation of the fundamental rights of workers by the FCTA management and its political leadership,” the statement noted.
The union stated that the consultation uncovered “a deliberate attack on the working class,” leading to what it characterized as a necessary increase in industrial action.
The congress claimed that wage awards for five months and promotion back pay were unlawfully withheld, which it stated directly impacted workers’ livelihoods.
It further charged the FCTA with not transferring pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions since May 2025, cautioning that this jeopardized the welfare of both active and retired employees.
The NLC also denounced reported intimidation, including limits on phone access and the imprisonment of workers, characterizing these actions as breaches of constitutional rights and international labor agreements.
In line with its directives, the NLC instructed all affiliate unions in the Federal Capital Territory to synchronize with and escalate the current strike.
It also instructed employees to gather at the National Industrial Court on Monday, January 26, 2026, when issues pertaining to the dispute are set to be addressed.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress therefore declares and directs a total escalation of the industrial action. All affiliate unions within the Federal Capital Territory are hereby directed to fully align with and intensify the ongoing industrial action. This struggle is now the struggle of every worker in the FCT.
“All workers are to mobilize to the court on Monday, January 26, 2026. In pursuit of justice and to demonstrate our collective resolve, all workers in the Federal Capital Territory are directed to converge en masse at the National Industrial Court on Monday, January 26, 2026, where matters relating to this struggle will be heard.
“Let the court premises be filled with the dignified presence of the working class, sending an unmistakable message of our unity and determination,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the congress declared mandatory daily prayer and solidarity gatherings for workers throughout the FCT between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, along with the establishment of partnerships with civil society organizations, student organizations, community advocates, and various stakeholders.
The NLC cautioned that workers’ tolerance had been worn thin, stating that not addressing the issues would result in an intensification of the struggle.
“The NLC warns the FCTA management and the political leadership that the patience of the working class is exhausted. Their ultimatum was and is our ultimatum. Their demands are our demands.
“Unless these issues are quickly resolved, we will strengthen this struggle to ensure that abuse of workers’ rights is mitigated and their dignity restored,” he added.
Speaking to FCTA employees, the Congress stated, “Your struggle is our struggle.” Your win will be a triumph for every oppressed laborer in Nigeria. Stay steadfast! No backing down, no giving up! A united group can never be overcome! “United workers cannot be defeated!”
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, took the striking workers to court.
The legal action, seen by Chronicle NG, was submitted at the Abuja Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria. It has case number NICN/ABJ/17/2026 and is overseen by Justice E. D. Subilim.
The plaintiffs are the Minister of the FCT and the FCTA, whereas the defendants are the President of JUAC, Rifkatu Iortyer, and the Secretary General, Abdullahi Saleh, who are being sued in their official roles.
Court documents reviewed by Chronicle NG revealed that the minister and the FCTA are requesting a court order that prevents the unions and their representatives from participating in picketing, blocking access, lockouts, or any activities aimed at the claimants, department heads, and political appointees.
The unions faced allegations of obstructing roads, closing offices, and interfering with the efficient operation of the FCT administration.
During the hearing of the application, the claimants’ counsel was present in court, whereas the defendants were not. The minister and the FCTA were represented by a group of senior lawyers, which included Ogwu Onoja, SAN; M. A. Ebute, SAN; George Ibrahim, SAN; K. O. Mustapha, Esq.; and Esther Audu, Esq.
Upon examining the affidavits and written submissions, Justice Subilim determined that the applicants had shown adequate reasons for the requested reliefs and approved leave for substituted service of court documents on the defendants.
In a decision issued on January 21, the court permitted substituted service of court documents on the defendants.
The judge directed that service be carried out via publication in Leadership newspaper or another national daily, in addition to affixing the processes at the JUAC office situated at the FCTA Secretariat, No. 1 Kapital Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja. The court decided that this method of service would be considered valid and appropriate.
The case was adjourned to January 26 for a motion on notice.
