The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has ordered workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to mobilise for a mass protest at the National Industrial Court, Abuja, on Monday, following legal action instituted against striking FCTA workers by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The directive was announced by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, after an emergency meeting with leaders of the Joint Unions Action Congress (JUAC) in Abuja.
Ajaero said the national leadership of the Congress has formally taken over the dispute, describing the FCTA’s actions as an attack on workers’ rights.
The development comes less than 24 hours after the FCT Administration dragged the striking workers before the National Industrial Court over the ongoing industrial action.
Speaking at Labour House, Abuja, Ajaero accused the FCTA management of what he termed “capitalist exploitation and bureaucratic oppression,” declaring an escalation of the strike.
“As a result, the NLC directs all affiliate unions in the FCT to fully align with and intensify the ongoing industrial action,” he said.
He directed all workers in the FCT to converge en masse at the National Industrial Court on Monday, January 26, 2026, to demonstrate solidarity as the matter comes up for hearing.
Ajaero also announced the commencement of compulsory daily prayer and solidarity sessions for workers across the FCT from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at designated venues.
According to him, the NLC has further instructed trade unions in the FCT to build alliances with civil society organisations, student groups and community activists to broaden the struggle.
“This is no longer just a labour dispute; it is a people’s struggle against an insensitive administration,” he said.
The NLC president warned that the patience of workers had been exhausted, insisting that the demands of FCTA workers had become the demands of the entire labour movement.
He listed the grievances to include the alleged illegal withholding of five months’ wage awards and promotion arrears, non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions since May 2025, as well as intimidation of workers.
Ajaero said the Congress would sustain and intensify the struggle until the alleged abuses are addressed and the dignity of workers restored.