The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has instructed workers across the six area councils to embark on an indefinite strike starting December 1, 2024.
The directive follows the non-implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage arrears by the council chairmen.
The directive was issued by Comrade Stephen Knabayi, Chairman of the NLC FCT chapter, during a press briefing at the Labour House in Abuja on Saturday.
Knabayi described the chairmen’s failure to implement the new minimum wage as a gross violation of the law and a disregard for workers’ welfare. Despite receiving a communique from the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on November 11, 2024, in Port Harcourt, the chairmen have reportedly ignored the demands.
In response, the NLC FCT State Administrative Council met on November 12, 2024, and resolved to adhere to the national directive to initiate a strike if the minimum wage was not implemented by the end of November.
“The SEC also noted with deep frustration the persistent delays and outright refusal by the area council chairmen to pay pending entitlements, including arrears owed to primary school teachers,” Knabayi said.
He further directed all workers in the six area councils to proceed with the strike without hesitation starting December 1, 2024, until further notice.
This strike action marks a critical standoff as organized labour demands adherence to the new minimum wage policy and improved welfare for workers in the FCT.
