FCTA Workers Defy Court Order, Continue Strike Amid Warnings from Minister Wike
Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have defiantly continued their industrial action, openly disregarding a court order that mandated the suspension of their strike. This ongoing protest in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, has escalated tensions between the workforce and the administration, with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike issuing stern warnings of potential sanctions against the striking employees.
Court Order Defied as Workers Vow to Persist
The National Industrial Court had issued an interlocutory injunction to halt the FCTA workers' strike, but this legal intervention has been met with resistance. The workers, operating under the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), have firmly vowed to remain at home until their comprehensive list of demands is fully addressed. These demands extend beyond immediate welfare concerns to include the controversial call for the removal of Minister Nyesom Wike from his position.
Felicia Okoro, Chairperson of the FCDA Chapel, reinforced this position during an address to colleagues, stating unequivocally that the industrial action would continue. "They have the guns, they have the resources, but the people's power is greater than theirs," Okoro declared, highlighting the workers' determination. A union official confirmed that the court judgment would be appealed, demonstrating their commitment to legal challenges alongside industrial action.
Wike's Response and Financial Disclosures
In response to the continued strike, Minister Nyesom Wike has directed FCTA workers to return to their posts immediately or face legal consequences. He emphasized that the rule of law must prevail and warned that any further attempts to lock government premises would result in severe consequences. Wike maintained that the FCTA administration has made substantial efforts to address worker concerns, including implementing civil service reforms and ensuring salary payments.
The minister disclosed that over N12 billion had been approved specifically for January salaries, which he presented as evidence of his administration's commitment to staff welfare. However, Wike also made controversial remarks, suggesting that "workers are largely responsible for the lack of development in states, including the FCT," a statement that has further inflamed tensions with the striking workforce.
Escalating Tensions and Wider Implications
The strike has already caused significant disruption across Abuja, with activities at the FCT Secretariat and numerous other agencies completely shut down. This includes schools and area council secretariats, affecting public services throughout the capital territory. The situation escalated dramatically when striking workers confronted Minister Wike's motorcade, with protesters chanting demands and pursuing the vehicles in a display of growing frustration.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind the FCTA workers, directing them to mobilize for significant court appearances and declaring daily prayer sessions to sustain morale. NLC President Joe Ajaero has accused FCTA leadership of wage abuse and called for solidarity among diverse stakeholders, indicating that this industrial action may have broader implications for labor relations in Nigeria's public sector.
The workers' demands are comprehensive and include:
- Payment of five-month wage awards
- Substantial improvements to staff welfare packages
- The removal of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike from office
- Addressing various other grievances related to working conditions
This standoff represents a critical test of authority between Nigeria's judicial system, political leadership, and organized labor, with potential ramifications for governance and industrial relations in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.
