By Adenike Lawal
Tension is rising in the Federal Capital Territory as workers and primary school teachers from all six area councils gear up for a major protest in Abuja on Wednesday, April 23.
Their demand is clear—full implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage and other pending entitlements.
Under the joint banner of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, the workers say their patience has worn thin following months of failed negotiations with the area council chairmen.
Speaking in Gwagwalada, Comrade Sa’ad Abdulmumin, Secretary of NULGE FCT, accused the council leaders of deliberately neglecting workers’ welfare. He revealed that despite the release of N4.1 billion by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for wage implementation and arrears, the funds remain unused for their intended purpose.
Beyond the new minimum wage, the protesters are also demanding payment of a previously approved N30,000 wage award, salary adjustments of 25 to 35 percent, a 40 percent peculiar allowance, and full implementation of health sector salary structures.
They also decry the failure to remit pension deductions to their administrators.
“This protest is a last resort. We have endured strikes, dialogues, and delays. Now we are demanding our rights—no more, no less,” Abdulmumin said.
Efforts to reach the head of FCT ALGON, Danladi Chiya, were unsuccessful, as he failed to respond to calls or messages.
As the impasse deepens, the unions remain united in their demand for justice, warning that they will not back down until every kobo owed is paid.
