The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind the ongoing indefinite strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), describing the action as a “necessary and heroic” stand against what it calls gross violations of workers' rights, wage abuse, and administrative impunity.
In a strongly worded statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero on Friday, January 24, 2026, the labour centre expressed “very strong solidarity” with FCTA workers under the banner of the Joint Unions Action Congress (JUAC).
The NLC characterized the grievances as a “deliberate and calculated assault on the working class” in the nation's capital, involving capitalist exploitation and bureaucratic oppression.
Ajaero highlighted several key issues fueling the strike, including:The illegal withholding of five months' wage award and promotion arrears, which he described as a “brazen denial of workers’ legitimate earnings” and a violation of constitutional guarantees.
Non-remittance of pension contributions since May 2025 and National Housing Fund deductions, labeling it “economic sabotage” that condemns workers to destitute retirement.
Acts of intimidation against staff, such as bans on phone usage and incarceration of workers, which he termed “fascistic tactics” aimed at stifling solidarity and dissent.
“The patience of the working class is exhausted,” Ajaero warned, adding that failure to address these demands would trigger further escalation of industrial action.
In a show of unity, the NLC directed all its affiliate unions operating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to fully align with and participate in the strike, effectively broadening the industrial action.
Ajaero also called on workers and supporters to mobilize en masse to the National Industrial Court on January 26, 2026, for proceedings related to a suit filed by the FCTA and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike challenging the strike's legality.
Concluding with a message of shared purpose, the NLC president declared: “Your struggle is our struggle. Your victory will be a victory for every exploited worker in Nigeria.”
The indefinite strike has already disrupted operations at FCTA offices, with workers shutting down key secretariats in Abuja.
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