FCT NLC Declares Indefinite Strike Over Minimum Wage Implementation

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers in the six area councils of the FCT to embark on an indefinite strike beginning Sunday, December 1, 2024. This decisive action, according to the NLC, is aimed at compelling the area council leadership to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage for workers. The strike, which will continue indefinitely, is a part of a larger nationwide effort to ensure compliance with the law mandating the wage increment.

The directive was communicated through a letter signed by the Chairman of the FCT Council of the NLC, Stephen Knabayi. The letter, obtained by reporters on Saturday, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the inaction of the area council chairmen, who have yet to address the demands of the NLC despite multiple appeals. Knabayi criticized the leadership of the area councils for what he termed a gross disregard for workers’ welfare and a failure to prioritize the implementation of the new wage standard.

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This industrial action in the FCT is part of a broader nationwide call by the NLC. Workers in 14 states, including the FCT, have been directed to stage similar actions over the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage. The issue of fair remuneration has been a contentious one, with the NLC consistently pushing for the enforcement of the new wage law to improve workers’ living conditions.