The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of intimidating workers and have declared full support for the ongoing strike by FCT workers.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the unions said workers in the territory had been unfairly treated by the FCT Administration, alleging that the actions of the minister, alongside a ruling of the National Industrial Court in Abuja, were aimed at weakening the industrial action.
According to the statement, organised labour had hoped that the court process would open the door for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the dispute. Instead, the unions claimed the minister resorted to threats and pressure against workers.
The NLC and TUC said the alleged intimidation, harassment, insults and humiliation of workers were unacceptable and could not be ignored, stressing that such actions undermined workers’ rights and dignity.
The unions reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law, insisting that workers must not be coerced or treated as second-class citizens in their own country. They urged striking workers to remain resolute and maintain high morale despite what they described as sustained pressure.
Labour leaders also clarified that the interlocutory injunction obtained by the FCT administration was issued against two individual union leaders, not the trade unions themselves, adding that the strike therefore remains in force.
They cautioned the judiciary to uphold fairness and accountability while commending judges they said had consistently acted to protect the rights of ordinary citizens.
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The unions maintained that the strike would continue until the FCT Minister engages in meaningful negotiations with the workers, reaffirming their solidarity with FCT workers and urging them to continue to defend their rights with courage and dignity.
FCT workers began an indefinite strike on January 19 over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and poor working conditions. In response, the FCT administration approached the National Industrial Court, describing the strike as illegal and seeking an order to restrain the unions. The court subsequently ordered the workers to resume work.
