Author: Gist Correspondent

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared full support for workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) currently on an indefinite strike, describing the action as justified and necessary in response to what it termed sustained violations of workers’ rights by the FCTA management and political leadership.

In a press release dated January 23, 2026, and signed by its President,  Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC said it was standing in “very strong solidarity” with the workers under the Joint Unions Action Congress (JUAC), accusing the FCTA of wage abuse, administrative impunity and intimidation of staff.

The Congress alleged that the FCTA illegally withheld five months’ wage award and promotion arrears, describing the action as a direct attack on workers’ livelihoods. It also accused the administration of failing to remit pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions since May 2025, warning that the situation threatened the future welfare of both serving and retired workers.

The NLC further condemned what it described as intimidation of workers, including restrictions on phone usage and the incarceration of staff, actions it said were in violation of constitutional provisions and international labour conventions.

As part of its resolutions, the labour centre directed all its affiliate unions in the FCT to fully align with and intensify the ongoing industrial action, declaring the dispute a collective struggle of all workers in the territory. It also instructed workers to mobilise en masse to the National Industrial Court on Monday, January 26, 2026, where issues related to the dispute are expected to be heard.

In addition, the NLC announced daily compulsory prayer and solidarity sessions for workers across the FCT from 8:00am to 5:00pm, while calling on trade unions to forge alliances with civil society organisations, student groups and community groups to broaden the action.

The Congress warned that the patience of workers had been exhausted, stressing that failure by the FCTA to urgently address the demands would result in a further escalation of the strike. It assured FCTA workers of its unwavering support, stating that their struggle and eventual victory would resonate across the Nigerian working class.