FCT Strike Ends as Labour, Wike Reach Agreement; Workers Ordered Back to Duty
Organised labour and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have resolved their standoff, clearing the way for the immediate resumption of work by employees affected by the recent industrial action in Abuja.
A circular obtained by PulseNets and circulated on Tuesday confirmed that the agreement was reached following high-level engagements between labour leaders and the FCT administration. The directive was sent to all affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) operating within the FCT.
The notice was jointly endorsed by the Secretary-General of the TUC, Nuhu Toro, and the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah.
PulseNets learnt that the breakthrough followed a conciliatory meeting between organised labour and the FCT minister, convened at the instance of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi.
According to details contained in the circular, discussions commenced at about 11:45 p.m. on Sunday and stretched into the early hours of Monday, ending around 3:51 a.m. after what was described as exhaustive deliberations.
Labour leaders noted that all grievances presented by members of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) were comprehensively reviewed during the meeting.
They disclosed that the FCT minister assured union leaders of “a relationship anchored on mutual respect and continuous engagement on all labour-related concerns in the FCT.”
The document further stated that both parties reached a clear understanding that no worker would face reprisals or victimisation for participating in the strike.
It was also agreed, PulseNets reported, that all outstanding matters before the National Industrial Court would be withdrawn with immediate effect as part of confidence-building measures.
Following the agreement, the leadership of the NLC and TUC directed all affected workers to resume work without delay.
The directive applies to every affiliate of the two labour centres under the FCT Administration.
Labour leaders urged strict compliance with the instruction, stressing that the resolution reflects goodwill on all sides and is crucial for sustaining industrial peace and harmony in the nation’s capital.
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They reiterated that meaningful dialogue and firm guarantees against victimisation were non-negotiable conditions before suspending the industrial action.
Workers in the FCT had downed tools on January 19 over unresolved welfare issues and allegations of high-handedness by the authorities.
