The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has declared an indefinite strike for workers across all six area councils within the territory, effective December 1. The council chairman, Knabanyi Adalo, announced this decision in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.
Adalo explained that the directive aligns with a communique issued during the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on November 8 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to him, the NEC had mandated all council chairmen nationwide to implement the newly approved national minimum wage of ₦70,000. However, the FCT area councils have not been compliant with this directive.
“Despite repeated calls for the immediate implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage in line with national policy, the area council chairmen have persistently ignored the demand,” Adalo stated. “This refusal not only demonstrates a blatant disregard for the welfare of workers but also constitutes a gross violation of existing labor laws.”
The NLC’s State Administrative Council (SAC) held a meeting on November 12 to deliberate on the ongoing impasse. During the meeting, it was unanimously resolved that if the national minimum wage was not implemented by the end of November, the workers in the area councils would embark on an indefinite strike in strict compliance with the national directive.
Adalo noted, “The council chairmen have not only failed to act on the minimum wage directive but have also refused to address other pressing issues, such as the payment of outstanding arrears owed to primary school teachers and other entitlements due to workers.”
This prolonged neglect has left many workers frustrated, with their welfare and livelihoods severely impacted. Adalo highlighted the NLC’s dissatisfaction with the situation, stating, “The failure of the area council chairmen to prioritize the welfare of their workers is not just a dereliction of duty but a clear message of indifference towards those who sustain the day-to-day operations of these councils.”
Adalo called on all workers in the six area councils of the FCT to adhere strictly to the strike directive. “From December 1, all workers are to cease operations and remain on strike until further notice or until the government takes decisive action to fulfill its obligations,” he declared.
Adalo urged government officials to recognize the seriousness of the situation and act swiftly to avoid further disruption to essential services in the FCT.
“The labor movement is united in its stance that the well-being of workers cannot be compromised,” Adalo concluded. “We call on the government to show genuine commitment to resolving these issues, as a failure to do so will not only prolong the strike but also deepen the crisis within the FCT area councils.”
