By Charles Maduka
The Nigerian Labour Congress in the Federal Capital Territory has threatened a mass protest and total shutdown of Abuja after July 3 if the ongoing industrial disputes affecting area council workers remain unresolved.
The warning was issued by the FCT NLC Chairman, Dr. Stephen Knabayi, during an interview in Abuja. He revealed that the union deliberately postponed its planned action to allow President Bola Tinubu complete the inauguration of key projects in the FCT, marking his second year in office.
“We are waiting for Tinubu’s project inaugurations to end by July 3. Once that is done, members of the union will take over the streets of Abuja,” Knabayi stated.
For months, the FCT’s six area councils have been gripped by a wave of strikes. Primary healthcare centres have been closed, public school teachers have abandoned classrooms, and secretariat offices remain largely deserted. Workers are demanding the payment of overdue arrears of the national minimum wage, a 40% peculiar allowance, and the full implementation of previously agreed salary increases of 25% and 35%. They are also pressing for the N35,000 wage award promised by the Federal Government.
Knabayi lamented the government’s inaction and described the situation as unacceptable. He accused local council chairmen of showing a lack of commitment despite several interventions.
“This is very unfortunate. Strike or protest is always our last option, but we were left with no other choice. If nothing is done, it will not be a small thing,” he warned.
A seven-day ultimatum was issued to the FCT Administration on June 13 by the NLC, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, and the National Association of Health Workers. The ultimatum expired on June 20 with no resolution.
The labour leaders have since mobilised for a large-scale protest. Knabayi disclosed that both the FCT Administration and relevant security agencies have been officially notified of the planned demonstration, describing it as a final warning.
He also criticised the sudden suspension of the newly introduced N70,000 minimum wage in the area councils, which was stopped without explanation barely a month after its implementation.
“With everything happening, it is unfortunate that up to this moment, nothing has been done to address the lingering welfare crises,” Knabayi concluded.
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