NLC backs FCTA workers’ strike, urges affiliate unions to join action

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind the indefinite strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), calling the industrial action a justified response to what it described as persistent violations of workers’ rights.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, the NLC said it stood “in very strong solidarity” with FCTA workers operating under the Joint Unions Action Congress (JUAC).

Ajaero described the strike as “necessary and heroic,” alleging that workers had been subjected to sustained administrative impunity, rights violations and policies he characterised as hostile to labour.

He said engagements with JUAC leadership pointed to what he termed a “deliberate and calculated assault on the working class” in the nation’s capital, accusing the FCTA management and political leadership of practices amounting to exploitation and bureaucratic oppression.

According to the NLC, issues of wage abuse were clearly established, citing the alleged withholding of five months’ wage awards and promotion arrears. Ajaero said the action went beyond administrative failure and amounted to a denial of workers’ lawful earnings and livelihoods.

The labour centre also accused the FCTA of failing to remit pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions since May 2025, warning that the alleged lapse posed long-term economic risks to both serving and retired workers.

Ajaero further condemned reports of staff intimidation, including restrictions on phone usage and the incarceration of workers, describing such actions as unlawful and contrary to constitutional provisions and international labour standards.

As part of an escalation of the dispute, the NLC directed all its affiliate unions within the Federal Capital Territory to fully align with the ongoing strike.

The congress also called on workers to mobilise to the National Industrial Court on January 26, when the court is expected to hear a suit filed by the FCTA and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, challenging the legality of the strike.

Warning that labour’s tolerance was “wearing thin,” Ajaero said failure to address the grievances could trigger further actions.

“To the workers of the FCTA, your struggle is our struggle,” he said, adding that a successful outcome would represent “a victory for every exploited worker in Nigeria.”