June 26, 2025
The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has announced plans to shut down Abuja, in response to months of unresolved wage-related issues along side other council staff across the six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The industrial action is expected to commence after President Bola Tinubu concludes his July 3 project inaugurations.
The NLC had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration on June 13, which expired on June 20 but the union delayed action to allow President Tinubu to complete the commissioning of projects in FCT to mark his second year in office
Chairman of the FCT NLC, Dr Stephen Knabayi, disclosure this on Thursday in Abuja.
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“The Federal Capital Territory Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, is mobilizing to shut down the territory after President Bola Tinubu concludes his projects’ inauguration on July 3.”
“The NLC had already informed the FCT Administration and security agencies of the planned protest to shut down the territory as the last resort to press home their demands
According to Knabayi, the move was to draw the attention of the FCT Administration to the lingering strike by area council workers.
He further stated that, “Other unresolved issues included the non-implementation of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases, and the N35,000 wage award, among other benefits.
Knabayi, said, the workers are demanding full implementation of the minimum wage, 40% peculiar allowance, salary increments, and the N35,000 wage award. The N70,000 minimum wage, briefly paid in May, was suspended in June without explanation.
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He also criticized the area council chairmen for focusing on the preparations for the 2026 area council elections over workers’ welfare, where the funds being spent could settle the outstanding wages.
The NLC called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to compel the area councils to address the crisis.
Wike had earlier intervened by releasing N4.1 billion to the councils to support wage payments, but reiterated that salaries of primary schools and healthcare workers fall under the jurisdiction of the area councils not the FCT Administration.
