Workers across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory are set to embark on an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024, following directives from the Nigeria Labour Congress FCT Council.
In a letter signed by the FCT NLC Chairman, Stephen Knabayi, and obtained on Saturday, the council expressed dissatisfaction with the non-implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage.
The strike action aligns with the national directive issued by the NLC, which had earlier called on workers in 14 states and the FCT to down tools over the issue.
Knabayi criticized the Area Council Chairmen for their failure to implement the new wage despite receiving a communiqué from the NLC National Executive Council on November 14, 2024.
He described the inaction as a “gross violation of the law” and an indication of disregard for workers’ welfare.
“The Area Council Chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory were issued a communiqué of the National Executive Council meeting held on November 8, 2024, in Port Harcourt,” the letter read.
“Unfortunately, they have blatantly refused to respond to the demand for the implementation of the new national minimum wage. This is a gross violation of the law and a disregard for the well-being of workers in the Area Councils.”
The FCT NLC further lamented delays in paying workers’ entitlements, including outstanding arrears owed to primary school teachers in the area councils.
Knabayi noted that the State Administrative Council of the FCT NLC had resolved to comply with the national directive during a meeting on November 12, 2024.
He added, “The SEC unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite strike action if the N70,000 minimum wage was not implemented by November 30, 2024.
“Workers in all six area councils are hereby instructed to proceed on strike without hesitation from December 1, 2024, until further notice.”
The decision comes as frustration mounts among workers over what the NLC described as a persistent delay in addressing critical labor issues.
The strike is expected to disrupt essential services across the FCT as organized labor pushes for the enforcement of the new wage and improved welfare conditions.
