By Alexis Uchendu
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has declared an indefinite strike for workers in Abuja’s six area councils, effective December 1.
The industrial action follows the failure to implement the N70,000 national minimum wage.
In a statement issued on Saturday, FCT NLC Chairman Knabanyi Adalo announced the strike, citing a resolution reached by the State Administrative Council during its November 12 meeting.
The decision aligns with a November 8 communiqué by the NLC National Executive Council (NEC), in Port Harcourt, which called for compliance with the new minimum wage.
Adalo criticized the council chairpersons for their lack of action, stating, “The persistent delay and outright refusal by the area councils’ chairmen to pay pending entitlements, including arrears for primary school teachers, is unacceptable.
“Failure to implement the new minimum wage is a gross violation of the law and a disregard for the welfare of workers,” he said.
He directed workers in all six area councils to embark on the strike unless the government fulfills its obligations by the end of November.
“This strike will continue until further directives are issued,” he warned.
The industrial action highlights escalating tensions between organized labor and government authorities over workers’ welfare and adherence to labor laws.
