The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its full weight behind workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), declaring their ongoing total and indefinite strike justified amid allegations of widespread labour rights violations.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC said it was fully aligned with the Joint Unions Action Congress (JUAC) after reviewing petitions and consultations pointing to alleged wage abuses, administrative impunity and intimidation of workers by the FCTA management and political leadership.
The Congress accused the FCTA of withholding five months’ Wage Award and promotion arrears owed to workers, describing the action as a direct denial of legitimate earnings and a serious threat to workers’ livelihoods.
According to the NLC, the administration has also failed to remit pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions since May 2025, warning that the development could endanger the future of both serving and retired staff.
The statement further alleged intimidation and rights violations, including restrictions on phone usage and the incarceration of workers, which the Congress said contravene constitutional provisions and international labour conventions.
In response, the NLC directed an escalation of the industrial action, instructing all its affiliate unions in the Federal Capital Territory to fully align with and intensify the strike. Workers were also directed to mobilise en masse to the National Industrial Court in Abuja on Monday, January 26, 2026, when issues arising from the dispute are expected to come up for hearing.
Additionally, the Congress mandated daily compulsory prayer and solidarity sessions for workers across the FCT from 8:00am to 5:00pm, alongside the formation of alliances with civil society organisations, student groups, community activists and other stakeholders to widen support for the action.
Warning that workers’ patience had been exhausted, the NLC said failure by the FCTA management and political leadership to promptly resolve the issues would lead to further escalation.
“The struggle of FCTA workers is the struggle of all workers,” the NLC said, urging affected employees to remain resolute. “Their victory will be a victory for every exploited worker in Nigeria.”
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