NLC shuts down Abuja, declares full support for indefinite FCTA workers’ strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has effectively shut down Nigeria’s capital Abuja in support of an ongoing indefinite strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The central labour union said the escalation is aimed at forcing the FCTA to meet long standing labour demands, calling the action a necessary response to what it described as “oppression and rights abuses” by authorities.

The NLC President Joe Ajaero accused FCTA management of illegal wage withholding, pension diversion, and intimidation if union members.

The Congress ordered all its affiliate unions across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to align fully with the strike.

“Their demands are our demands…This struggle is now the struggle of every workers in the FCT”, Mr Ajaero said.

Public services and administrative activities remain largely grounded, raising concerns about descriptions to government operations and service delivery in the capital.

Workers, under the Joint Unions Action Congress (JUAC), initiated the action earlier this week, over what they call unresolved wage, welfare, and entitlement disputes including:

Unpaid promotion arrears and wage awards Failure to remit pensions and National Housing Fund contributions.

Alleged poor working conditions and delays in salary processes.

Procured lack of meaningful engagement from FCTA leadership.

These grievances have triggered workplace walkouts and office shutdowns across the FCTA, including major secretariats.

The FCTA, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, has taken legal steps to halt the strike, filing a suit at the National Industrial Court.

The Ministry accuses JUAC of illegal industrial Action and challenging the strike’s legality.

A hearing has been scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026. The NLC’s move in Abuja comes amid broader labour tensions nationwide.

In a separate action this week, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the NLC issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health over delay salary adjustments, threatening a nationwide strike if the matter is not resolved.

Workers and union leaders have been urged to gather in solidarity at the National Industrial Court on Monday, January 26.

Government and Labour representatives may face intensified negotiations or further legal proceedings.

As the strike continues to impact government services in the capital, the resolution will be clearly watched for effects on public administration and labour relations across Nigeria.

-9News Nigeria.