Folarin Kehinde

The leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed all Abuja-based affiliate unions to strengthen, intensify, and sustain the ongoing industrial action by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) until their demands are fully met.

The directive, contained in a circular addressed to the Presidents and General Secretaries of all Abuja-based unions, comes in response to the continued neglect of workers’ welfare and persistent intimidation of staff by authorities.

The circular stated, “Following our earlier communications regarding the ongoing struggle of FCTA workers, we hereby reaffirm and reinforce the directive to all affiliate unions in the FCT to not only continue the ongoing action but to intensify and sustain it until all workers’ demands are fully addressed.”

The NLC highlighted unpaid wage awards and promotion arrears, non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions, and ongoing intimidation of workers as the primary unresolved issues driving the strike.

The Congress described the situation as unacceptable, noting that these violations “remain unresolved” and are “grave, unacceptable, and incompatible with the principles of fairness, justice, and decent work.”

Affiliate unions were further instructed to “maintain full participation in the industrial action,” “strengthen mobilisation of members for all Congress-approved activities,” and “mobilise members to participate daily in Prayer and Solidarity Sessions from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at designated venues across the FCT.”

Emphasising the gravity of the struggle, the NLC warned that “this struggle demands unity, discipline, and unwavering commitment,” adding that “any retreat at this stage will only encourage further violations against workers.”

“All affiliates are expected to comply strictly with this directive in the collective interest of the Nigerian working class,” the circular concluded, ending with a message of solidarity: “An injury to one is an injury to all. Solidarity forever.”

The circular was signed by Comrade Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary, and Joseph Ajaero, President.

Meanwhile, unions within the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) have rejected claims that a National Industrial Court ruling has effectively halted the strike.

In a joint communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of executive officers of 16 unions in FCTA/FCDA on January 27, 2026, the unions responded to a court ruling at Gimbia Street, Area 11, Abuja, which reportedly instructed Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Umar to suspend the industrial action.

The unions clarified, “After reviewing all issues raised, the need for continued and coordinated action became clear. The ruling from the Industrial Court applies only to the individuals named—Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Umar.”

They affirmed that “the strike action declared by the various unions remains in effect until the FCTA authorities and the Honourable Minister of the FCT meet workers’ demands.

Workers were urged to remain steadfast: “We call on the resilient FCTA/FCDA workforce to stay committed until further directives from the union.”

The communiqué concluded with solidarity slogans: “A people united can never be defeated. Workers united can never be defeated. Solidarity forever. Aluta Continua. Victoria Ascerta.”