NLC, FCTA workers storm court, demand Wike’s removal
Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), converged on the National Industrial Court in Abuja on Monday, January 26, 2026. The protest marks an escalation of a total and indefinite strike that has crippled public services across the nation’s capital since January 19.
The industrial action, led by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), follows a breakdown in negotiations over critical welfare issues. Protesters at the court carried placards with bold messages such as “Wike must go!!”, “Abuja no be Rivers,” and “Pay promotion arrears,” expressing deep frustration with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s leadership.
The NLC officially declared its full support for the strike last week, condemning what it termed “persistent violations of workers’ rights” and “wage abuse.” NLC President Joe Ajaero accused the FCTA of illegally withholding five months of wage awards and failing to remit pension contributions and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions since May 2025.
Beyond financial grievances, the workers are protesting poor working conditions and the controversial 2024 promotion examinations, which saw a mass failure of over 77% of candidates—a result the union demands be reversed. They also criticized the “elongation of tenure” for retired directors and permanent secretaries, which they say blocks the career progression of serving officers.
In response to the shutdown, Minister Nyesom Wike filed a lawsuit (NICN/ABJ/17/2026) seeking to restrain the unions from further picketing and road blocks. During Monday’s proceedings, the court fixed January 27, 2026, to rule on the application for an order to halt the strike and compel workers back to their posts.
The FCTA management has maintained that progress is being made, claiming that the payment of some outstanding allowances and wage awards has already commenced. However, the unions have rejected these claims as “premature” and “misleading,” vowing to remain on strike until all demands are fully addressed.
Public services, including schools and administrative offices across the six area councils, remain largely grounded as the legal and administrative standoff continues.
