Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Monday picketed the National Industrial Court in Abuja, escalating their ongoing total and indefinite strike over unresolved labour disputes.
The protest followed a formal directive from the NLC declaring full support for the industrial action, which it described as justified in the face of what it called persistent violations of workers’ rights by the FCTA management and political leadership.
From the early hours of the day, protesting workers converged on the court premises, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with bold messages reflecting their grievances. Some of the inscriptions read: “Wike must go!!”, “Abuja no be Rivers”, “Pay promotion arrears”, “Enough is Enough”, and “No working tools”.
Union leaders accused the FCTA authorities of failing to honour agreements on staff welfare, including unpaid promotion arrears and poor working conditions, despite repeated engagements. They warned that the strike would continue indefinitely until concrete steps are taken to address the workers’ demands.
READ ALSO: FCTA Workers Picket Wike’s Office over Unpaid Salaries, Teachers’ Strike
The picketing of the National Industrial Court, a key institution for resolving labour disputes, underscored growing frustration among FCTA workers, many of whom say they have been pushed to the brink by months of unresolved issues.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the FCTA management or the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. However, the NLC reaffirmed its commitment to standing with the workers until their demands are met.