The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has endorsed an indefinite strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), citing unpaid wages, promotion arrears, and unremitted pension contributions.
The strike, initiated on Monday under the umbrella of the Joint Unions Action Congress (JUAC), has disrupted operations across multiple FCTA offices in Abuja.
Workers accuse the administration of failing to resolve long-standing grievances, including delayed salaries and outstanding promotion payments.
In a statement on Friday, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the union had reviewed a petition from JUAC and concluded that workers were facing “deliberate and calculated” exploitation.
He described the withholding of five months’ wage awards and promotion arrears as a violation of constitutional rights and an attack on workers’ livelihoods.
Ajaero also criticized the administration for failing to remit pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions since May 2025, calling the situation “economic sabotage” that puts current and retired employees at financial risk.
FCTA officials, however, insist that progress has been made in addressing workers’ concerns.
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, said 10 of the 14 demands raised by the unions had been addressed, while work continues on the remaining issues.
JUAC, however, disputed these claims, stating that no formal agreement has been reached or independently verified.
The unions have condemned alleged intimidation of staff, including phone bans and reported incarceration, describing such actions as efforts to suppress dissent.
In response, the NLC has escalated the strike, calling for full participation by all affiliate unions and urging workers to attend a hearing at the National Industrial Court on Monday, January 26.
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The NLC also instructed members to hold daily prayer and solidarity sessions across the FCT, emphasizing the need to maintain unity until all demands are met.
Despite the disruption, the FCTA maintains that payments for wage awards, rural allowances, and health hazard allowances have commenced, and that 2023 promotion arrears approved in December 2025 are being processed.
Measures are reportedly in place to address training, tenure, and compliance with public service rules.
The strike continues to paralyze several government offices in Abuja, with the unions insisting it will persist until all grievances are fully addressed.
The NLC has called on civil society groups, students, and the public to support the industrial action, framing the dispute as part of a broader struggle for workers’ rights.