The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the management and political leadership of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) of wage abuse, intimidation of workers, and failure to fulfil statutory obligations.

Declaring its full support for the ongoing indefinite strike by FCTA workers, the labour body described the action as justified and unavoidable in response to what it called persistent violations of workers’ rights.

Workers of the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) began the indefinite strike on Monday following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum, bringing activities across major government offices in Abuja to a standstill.

The industrial action led to the shutdown of operations at the FCTA Secretariat, with operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force deployed to restrict access to the complex.

Despite claims by the FCTA management that most of the workers’ demands had been addressed, the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) dismissed the assertion, insisting that key issues remained unresolved.

In a statement issued after consultations with JUAC leadership on Friday, the NLC said the strike stemmed from a petition submitted by the union, which detailed what it described as deliberate and sustained actions against workers in the nation’s capital.

The statement, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, described the strike as “a necessary and heroic response” to what it termed “a vicious combination of neoliberal attacks, administrative impunity, and systematic violations of workers’ fundamental rights by the FCTA management and its political leadership.”

According to the congress, the consultations revealed what it called a “calculated assault on the working class,” forcing an unavoidable escalation of industrial action.

The NLC alleged that five months’ wage awards and promotion arrears had been illegally withheld, directly impacting workers’ livelihoods. It also accused the FCTA of failing to remit pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions since May 2025, warning that the situation endangered both serving and retired workers.

The labour body further condemned reported acts of intimidation, including restrictions on phone usage and the detention of workers, describing such actions as violations of constitutional rights and international labour standards.

As part of its directives, the NLC ordered all affiliate unions within the Federal Capital Territory to fully align with and intensify the ongoing strike. It also directed workers to mobilise to the National Industrial Court on Monday, January 26, 2026, when matters related to the dispute are scheduled for hearing.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress hereby declares a total escalation of the industrial action. This struggle has become the struggle of every worker in the FCT,” the statement said.

“All workers are directed to converge en masse at the National Industrial Court on Monday, January 26, 2026, to demonstrate our collective resolve and unity in the pursuit of justice.”

In addition, the congress announced compulsory daily prayer and solidarity sessions for workers across the FCT from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., alongside the formation of alliances with civil society organisations, student groups, community activists, and other stakeholders.

Warning that workers’ patience had been exhausted, the NLC said failure to resolve the issues would result in further escalation of the struggle.

Addressing FCTA workers, the congress declared: “Your struggle is our struggle. Your victory will be a victory for every exploited worker in Nigeria. Stand firm. No retreat, no surrender.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken legal action against the striking workers.

The suit, filed at the Abuja Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria and presided over by Justice E. D. Subilim, lists the FCT Minister and the FCTA as claimants, while the President and Secretary General of JUAC are named as defendants in their representative capacities.

The claimants are seeking a court order restraining the unions and their agents from picketing, obstructing access, locking offices, or engaging in any actions aimed at disrupting the operations of the FCT administration.

They accused the unions of blocking roads, shutting offices, and interfering with the smooth running of government activities.

At the hearing, counsel to the claimants were present, while the defendants were absent. After reviewing the affidavits and written submissions, the court granted leave for substituted service of court processes on the defendants.

The judge ordered that the processes be served through publication in a national daily newspaper and by pasting copies at the JUAC office located at the FCTA Secretariat in Garki, Abuja, ruling that the method would be deemed valid and proper.

The case was adjourned to January 26 for hearing of a Motion on Notice.