RismadarVoice Reporters
January 28, 2026
The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed all Abuja-based affiliate unions to reinforce, intensify and sustain the ongoing industrial action by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) until all their demands are fully met.
The directive was contained in a circular issued to Presidents and General Secretaries of all Abuja-based affiliate unions, where the NLC said it was compelled to act due to the continued neglect of workers’ welfare and the persistent intimidation of staff by authorities.
According to the circular, the Congress stated that, “following our earlier circulars on the ongoing struggle of workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), we hereby reaffirm and reinforce the directive to all affiliate unions in the FCT to not only proceed with the ongoing action but to intensify and sustain it until all workers’ demands are fully addressed.”
The NLC identified unpaid wage awards and promotion arrears, non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions, as well as the continued intimidation of workers, as the unresolved issues fueling the strike.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, the labour centre said the violations “remain unresolved” and are “grave, unacceptable, and incompatible with the principles of fairness, justice, and decent work.”
The Congress further instructed affiliate unions to maintain full participation in the industrial action, reinforce mobilization of members for all congress-approved activities, and mobilise workers for daily Prayer and Solidarity Sessions from 8:00am to 5:00pm at designated venues across the FCT.
Emphasizing the seriousness of the struggle, the NLC warned that “this struggle demands unity, discipline, and unwavering commitment,” adding that “any retreat at this stage will only embolden further violations against workers.”
“All affiliates are expected to comply strictly with this directive in the collective interest of the Nigerian working class,” the circular stated, concluding with the slogan: “An injury to one is an injury to all. Solidarity forever.”
The circular was signed by Comrade Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary, and Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC.
Meanwhile, unions operating within the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) have rejected claims that a ruling of the National Industrial Court has halted the ongoing strike.
In a joint communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of executive officers of 16 unions held on January 27, 2026, the unions said the court ruling delivered at Gimbia Street, Area 11, Abuja, only applied to Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Umar.
They maintained that the industrial action “as declared by the various unions subsists pending when the demands of workers are met by the authority of the FCTA and the Honourable Minister of the FCT.”
The unions urged workers to remain resolute, assuring them that the struggle remains collective and ongoing.
