“Workers to Wike: Pay Up or Shut Down — FCT Faces Strike as Labour Ultimatum Nears Deadline”

With tensions rising across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has declared its full support for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abuja Council’s threat to completely shut down the FCT in solidarity with striking area council workers, especially teachers, over the government’s failure to implement the agreed ₦70,000 minimum wage.

The backing was made official in a statement signed by:

• Comrade Andrew Emelieze, former TUC Chairman, Oyo State

• Comrade Itoro Obong, FWF National Secretary

• Comrade Razaq Yakubu Oseni, FWF Publicity Secretary

“We stand firmly behind the NLC Abuja Council’s call for mass action,” the statement read. “The government’s inaction has pushed workers to the brink. Enough is enough.”

The FWF warned the NLC leadership not to issue empty threats, urging the union to follow through on its ultimatum with decisive action.

“Workers have suffered enough,” the Forum stated. “The NLC must show seriousness. No more threats without results.”

Wike’s Failed Promises Fueling Outrage

The Forum expressed dismay over the unfulfilled assurances of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing the FCT Administration of treating workers with utter disregard.

“We are stunned that despite multiple promises from the FCT Minister, the situation remains unresolved. This is no longer neglect—it’s torture,” the statement said.

The FWF further praised the resolve of the striking teachers and other area council workers, encouraging other industrial unions in the federal sector to rally around the movement and defend the dignity of labour.

Ready to Shut Down Abuja

Reaffirming its commitment to the planned mass action, the Forum stated unequivocally:

“We will join hands with FCT workers to completely shut down the capital if the government continues to delay the full implementation of the minimum wage. The time for action is now.”

Ultimatum Nears Expiry

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the NLC FCT Chapter, led by Comrade Stephen Knabayi, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Wike-led FCT administration in a letter dated June 11, 2025.

“You have ignored repeated letters and failed to act on our demands since April. If nothing changes by June 19, we will picket all FCTA offices,” the union warned.

At the heart of the dispute is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on December 11, 2024, between the FCT Administration, NUT, NULGE, and the NLC. The agreement committed the government to:

• Implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage starting January 2025

• Clear at least five months’ salary arrears

• Direct 50% of Area Councils’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to wage obligations

While a tripartite committee, chaired by Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, was established to oversee execution, no aspect of the MoU has been implemented as of mid-June 2025.

Public Support Sought

The FWF concluded by calling on Nigerians to understand the just cause of the workers and stand in solidarity with those demanding nothing more than their legally agreed wages and basic dignity.