Federal Capital Territory (FCT) workers have continued their indefinite strike despite a court order directing them to return to work.
The industrial action, initiated by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) on January 19, aims to press the FCT Administration for unresolved welfare issues affecting workers’ morale and productivity.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) later joined in solidarity.
Key demands by the workers include:
Payment of five-month wage arrears
Outstanding promotion arrears for 2023 and 2024
Full payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance and 22 months’ rural allowance for health staff.
Timely remittance of pension and National Housing Fund contributions
Improved staff welfare and working conditions
The National Industrial Court in Abuja had, on January 27, ordered the suspension of the strike following a suit filed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the FCTA.
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The injunction specifically required union leaders Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Umar Saleh to comply.
Despite the court order, most healthcare facilities and schools in the Bwari Area Council remain closed.
Students at Government Day Secondary School, Dutse Alhaji, and LEA Primary School, Ushafa, were sent home early.
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to the FCT Minister, confirmed that the strike was only officially declared by JUAC and that the union leaders have resumed work.
“If other workers have not returned, they may not have received the correct information. I expect full compliance by tomorrow,” he said.
The ongoing strike underscores the deep-seated tensions between FCT authorities and workers, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and resolution of welfare disputes.