The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to shut down the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) immediately after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu concludes his project inaugurations scheduled for July 3, citing unresolved wage disputes and unpaid allowances for area council workers.
Chairman of the NLC FCT Chapter, Dr. Stephen Knabayi, revealed the development during a media briefing in Abuja, stating that the planned protest is the union’s last resort to compel the FCT Administration to address lingering issues affecting council staff across the six area councils.
Knabayi said the protest was initially delayed out of respect for President Tinubu’s activities marking his second year in office, but stressed that the union can no longer overlook the continued non-payment of key entitlements. These include the full implementation of the national minimum wage, a 40% peculiar allowance, the N35,000 wage award, and the 25% and 35% salary increases.
He disclosed that the N70,000 minimum wage briefly paid in May was suspended in June without explanation, worsening the frustration among council workers already on strike.
The NLC had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration on June 13, which expired on June 20 without resolution. Knabayi confirmed that security agencies and relevant authorities have been notified of the impending protest.
“The shutdown is to send a clear message that Abuja workers cannot be treated with disregard,” he said. “The government must act or face a total shutdown of operations in the FCT.”
The labour action is expected to disrupt administrative and commercial activities across the territory if demands remain unmet.
