NLC Backs FCTA Workers, Orders Strike Escalation

By Chinedu Echianu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared strong solidarity with workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) over their ongoing total and indefinite strike.

The umbrella union of workers in Nigeria describes the action as justified and necessary in the face of what it called persistent violations of workers’ rights.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC says it aligns fully with the Joint Unions Action Congress (JUAC), following petitions and consultations that revealed alleged wage abuses, administrative impunity and intimidation of workers by FCTA management and political leadership.

According to the NLC, the FCTA has allegedly withheld five months’ Wage Award and promotion arrears owed to workers, an action the Congress described as a direct denial of legitimate earnings and a threat to workers’ livelihoods.

It also accuses the administration of failing to remit pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions since May 2025, warning that the situation could jeopardise the future of both serving and retired staff.

The Congress further alleged intimidation of staff, including restrictions on phone usage and incarceration of workers, which it describes as violations of constitutional rights and international labour conventions.

In response, the NLC directed an escalation of the industrial action, instructing all its affiliate unions in the Federal Capital Territory to fully align with and intensify the ongoing strike. It also directed workers to mobilise en masse to the National Industrial Court in Abuja on Monday, January 26, 2026, when matters relating to the dispute are expected to be heard.

Additionally, the NLC mandated daily compulsory prayer and solidarity sessions for workers across the FCT from 8:00am to 5:00pm, as well as the formation of alliances with civil society organisations, student groups, community activists and other stakeholders to broaden the struggle.

The Congress warned the FCTA management and political leadership that the patience of workers had been exhausted, stressing that failure to resolve the issues promptly would lead to further intensification of the action.

“The struggle of FCTA workers is the struggle of all workers,” the NLC said, urging affected employees to remain resolute. “Their victory will be a victory for every exploited worker in Nigeria.” the statement concludes.