The Nigeria Labour Congress, FCT Council, has declared an indefinite strike across the Federal Capital Territory over unresolved issues surrounding the promotion and welfare of teachers.

The industrial action commenced on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, following a decision reached at the council’s State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at Labour House, Abuja.

In a statement signed by the NLC FCT Council Chairman, Knabayi S. Adalo, the union directed workers in both the public and private sectors to stay away from their duty posts until further notice.

Seven-Day Ultimatum Expires

The strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory over demands concerning teachers in the territory.

The NLC said its demands include the removal of the vacancy requirement for the promotion of FCT teachers, reconsideration of eligible 2025 teachers to allow them to sit for promotion examinations, and withdrawal of redeployment and demotion letters issued to directors who benefited from the Harmonised Teachers Retirement Age Act, 2022.

According to the union, the FCT Administration’s response to the ultimatum failed to resolve the issues.

“The FCTA’s response to our ultimatum was vague and did not address the core issue of the vacancy clause, including the unlawful demotion of directors,” the NLC said.

NLC Rejects Vacancy-Based Promotion For Teachers

The labour council argued that teachers should not be subjected to the vacancy-based promotion system applicable to pool officers.

“We want to make it clear: Teachers are not core civil servants nor pool staff and cannot be subjected to vacancy-based promotion meant for pool officers,” the union stated.

It maintained that teachers were recruited specifically to teach and should be promoted when due.

The NLC also accused the FCT Administration of seeking to maintain industrial harmony without addressing what it described as injustices against teachers.

“The FCTA’s attempt to sustain industrial harmony without addressing injustice is mere wishful thinking. There can be no peace without justice,” it stated.

All FCT Workers Directed To Stay Away

Following the declaration, the NLC directed all workers across the FCT, including those in the private sector, to remain at home from October 7 until further notice.

“Consequently, all workers in the FCT – public and private – are directed to stay away from their duty posts and stay at home from 7th October, 2026, until further notice,” the statement read.

The council appealed to residents, particularly parents, to bear with workers during the industrial action.

It also called on civil society organisations and other Nigerians to prevail on the FCT Administration to resolve the dispute.

The union warned that the action would not be a limited warning strike, declaring: “The strike will be total and indefinite.”

The FCT Administration had yet to publicly respond to the strike declaration as of press time.

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Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory have called on the FCT Administration to establish a dedicated housing scheme for educators, saying the high cost of accommodation in Abuja is putting increasing pressure on their welfare and morale.

The appeal was made by the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), FCT Chapter, during the joint national celebration of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day in Abuja.

The FCT chairman of ASUSS, Julius Ogundiran, said the housing challenge had become a major concern for teachers despite the prompt payment of salaries by the FCT Administration.

He said some teachers were being forced to travel long distances from neighbouring states to their workplaces because they could not afford accommodation within the Federal Capital Territory. Others, he said, had resorted to sleeping in school classrooms.

“Most of our colleagues, even in Garki here, are coming from Suleja or Abaji, and some are even sleeping in classrooms because they can’t afford houses in town,” Ogundiran said.

He urged the FCT Administration to either construct dedicated housing estates for teachers or make subsidised land available to them across the six area councils.

According to Ogundiran, providing housing support would improve teachers’ welfare and help them perform their responsibilities more effectively.

He said teachers were not politicians and did not have alternative sources of revenue, stressing that government intervention was necessary to address the accommodation burden.

“If they can provide housing estates for teachers, we will be more motivated and well-equipped to perform our duties,” he said.

High accommodation costs affect teachers

Ogundiran acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the FCT Administration in the education sector and specifically noted that teachers’ salaries were being paid promptly.

However, he said the shortage and high cost of housing remained a significant impediment to teacher welfare.

The union’s position was that housing support should form part of wider measures to improve the working conditions of teachers in the territory.

The appeal comes as housing affordability remains a major challenge for workers in Abuja, where accommodation costs have continued to place pressure on household incomes.

For teachers living outside the FCT, the cost of commuting also adds to the financial burden associated with working in the capital.

Ogundiran linked better teacher welfare with improved educational outcomes, arguing that teachers who have adequate living conditions would be better positioned to carry out their responsibilities.

“If the government stands with the teachers, the teachers will be strong. If the teachers are strong, education will be strong. If education is strong, the nation will be strong,” he said.

He also referred to the common expression that the reward of teachers is in heaven, saying teachers should be able to enjoy better conditions during their working years.

Teacher raises concerns over welfare

Also speaking at the event, Grace Philip, a teacher at Junior Secondary School, Tungan Maje, expressed concern over what she described as the marginalisation of teachers.

“In everything they are doing in this country, teachers always come last,” she said.

Philip also raised concerns over delays in the promotion of FCT teachers and called on the authorities to pay greater attention to the challenges facing educators working at the grassroots.

The concerns raised by the teachers extend beyond accommodation to other aspects of employment and professional welfare.

FG reaffirms commitment to teachers

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare, professional development and funding for education.

Bagudu, who was represented by an official of the ministry, Mrs Kikelomo Ogundele, described investment in teachers as an important investment in Nigeria’s future.

He said no structural or policy reform in the education sector could succeed without well-trained, motivated and adequately supported teachers.

According to him, teachers play a central role in developing human capital and preparing young Nigerians to contribute to the country’s development.

“They do far more than transmit knowledge; they shape characters, nurture talents, inspire ambition, and prepare young people to contribute meaningfully to society,” Bagudu said.

The chairman of the occasion, Oluwaseun Falaye, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, also called on leaders in educational institutions and workplaces to promote ethical conduct, transparency and accountability.

Falaye, who was represented by the Executive Director, Administration, Samaila Abdul, said teachers’ contribution to nation-building went beyond classroom instruction.

He said effective leadership required integrity, accountability, fairness, responsibility and discipline.

The event therefore highlighted housing and broader welfare concerns affecting teachers, with ASUSS urging the FCT Administration to consider dedicated housing estates or subsidised land as part of efforts to improve teachers’ living and working conditions.

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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has approved ₦31.49 billion contracts for the installation of solar and modular hybrid solar streetlights across critical locations in the Federal Capital Territory.

The approval was disclosed by Mary Ahmadu, the overseeing Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), following the FCT Administration Executive Council meeting chaired by Wike in Abuja.

According to Ahmadu, the council approved the streetlight contracts as part of measures to improve urban infrastructure, enhance nighttime visibility and strengthen security across major corridors in the nation’s capital.

FCT Approves More Infrastructure Contracts

Ahmadu said the council also ratified several contracts covering environmental sanitation, sewage management and maintenance of public facilities across the FCT.

The council ratified contracts worth ₦5.96 billion for the extension of solid waste collection and management services across 40 delineated districts.

She said the contracts covered the period from March 1 to November 16, 2025.

The council also ratified a ₦2.21 billion contract for the operation and maintenance of the Wupa Basin Sewage Treatment Plant for a 24-month period, according to the statement.

More Funds Approved for Facility Maintenance

Ahmadu said the council further ratified contracts for routine maintenance and management of facilities across selected FCTA departments and public buildings.

The contracts were valued at ₦1.52 billion and ₦106.16 million respectively.

Another ₦488.39 million contract was ratified for the evacuation and routine maintenance of communal waste collection points along Umar Musa Yar’Adua Way.

The project is to be executed for a two-year period under the Abuja Environmental Protection Board.

Wike Administration Targets Cleaner, Safer Abuja

Ahmadu said the approved projects were designed to improve public safety, strengthen environmental sanitation and maintain infrastructure and public facilities across the FCT.

She said the execution of the contracts would also support efforts to sustain the aesthetic standards of Abuja.

The solar streetlight project is expected to improve visibility across key locations, while the environmental contracts are aimed at strengthening waste management and sanitation in the capital.

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Wike Orders Investigation

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered an investigation into FCT officials linked to illegal approvals for car dealerships in Abuja.

The officials include Directors in the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs.

The FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has summoned the affected officials. The investigation will examine their role in approving the use of green areas, parks and gardens for car lots.

Wike also ordered the immediate end of car dealership activities on green areas and other spaces meant for public recreation.

The FCT Administration announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday. Lere Olayinka, the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, signed the statement.

Task Force to Enforce Ban

The minister has also ordered the creation of a task force to enforce the directive.

The team will monitor the affected areas and stop further unauthorised commercial activities. It will also check that businesses do not return to spaces reserved for parks, gardens and other public uses.

Wike raised concerns about the use of recreational areas for commercial purposes. Parts of Millennium Park and other green spaces have also come under attention.

The development has renewed questions about land use in Abuja. Green spaces form an important part of the city’s planning system. They also provide areas for recreation and help support better urban management.

Flooding Raises Planning Concerns

The FCT government’s latest action also links to recent flooding in Abuja.

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of the capital last Saturday. Wike later inspected Maitama and other affected areas.

Following the inspections, the minister ordered the removal of illegal structures blocking drainage channels. He also warned against activities that could prevent the free movement of stormwater.

READ ALSO :Wike Targets Buildings Obstructing Waterways After Abuja Flooding

The use of green areas for commercial purposes has therefore become part of a wider discussion about Abuja’s drainage and urban planning.

Poor land-use control can put pressure on infrastructure. It can also reduce the space available for recreation and environmental management.

Abuja Master Plan Under Review

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has also announced plans to review the 1979 Abuja Master Plan.

The review will consider the city’s growing population and changing climate conditions. It will also look at whether existing infrastructure can meet the needs of the capital.

The Abuja Master Plan provides the basis for the city’s planned development. Its implementation affects housing, roads, drainage, public spaces and commercial development.

The review could therefore have wider implications for property developers and investors in the FCT.

Impact on Real Estate

The investigation also highlights the need for proper land-use approval in Abuja.

Property developers, investors and businesses must follow approved planning rules before using land for commercial purposes. Unauthorised changes can create legal and financial risks for property owners and investors.

The case also shows why strong urban planning matters to the housing and real estate sector. Abuja needs clear land-use rules to support orderly development as the city expands.

For residents, green areas and parks also provide important public spaces. Protecting these areas can support better urban planning and help maintain the city’s environmental balance.

The outcome of the investigation will determine whether any officials breached established procedures when they approved car dealership activities on land reserved for parks and recreation.

The wider issue remains the effective enforcement of Abuja’s land-use rules. Stronger enforcement could help the FCT protect public spaces, improve infrastructure planning and support more orderly property development.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate demolition of houses and other structures built on designated water channels in Abuja following renewed flooding in parts of the capital.

Wike issued the directive after inspecting areas affected by flooding, including Maitama, where he said developments obstructing designated waterways would no longer be tolerated.

The minister warned that the enforcement exercise would apply regardless of the status or influence of the property owners.

Government Moves Against Structures Blocking Waterways

According to the FCT Administration, buildings constructed on designated water channels can obstruct the natural movement of stormwater and increase flood risks in surrounding communities.

Wike said the FCT would proceed with removing structures that interfere with water channels, regardless of whether their owners are politically influential.

The directive comes after heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of Abuja, renewing concerns over drainage infrastructure and development in flood-prone areas.

Maitama Among Areas Affected

Maitama was among the areas inspected following the flooding.

The FCT Administration has identified structures obstructing waterways as part of the factors requiring urgent attention as authorities respond to flooding across the capital.

Wike’s position is that property ownership or political influence should not shield buildings that violate planning requirements or obstruct critical drainage channels.

Flooding Raises Questions About Urban Planning

The latest enforcement action goes beyond demolition.

It highlights the consequences of allowing development to take place without adequate consideration of drainage networks, flood plains and natural water channels.

As Abuja continues to expand, increasing construction has placed greater pressure on existing infrastructure. Where drainage systems are inadequate or waterways are blocked, heavy rainfall can quickly expose weaknesses in the city’s urban-planning system.

For residents, the consequences can include damaged homes, disrupted transportation and losses to household and commercial property.

Property Development Needs Stronger Planning Controls

The development also reinforces the importance of verifying planning approvals before purchasing or developing property.

A building may have significant financial value, but that does not protect it from enforcement action if it is found to violate applicable planning or environmental requirements.

For developers, proper site assessment and compliance with approved land-use plans are therefore essential before construction begins.

For buyers, the episode is another reminder that property due diligence should go beyond checking ownership documents. Planning approval, permitted land use, drainage arrangements and the location of the property in relation to waterways also matter.

Balancing Development and Flood Protection

Abuja’s growing population means the demand for housing and other developments will continue.

But urban expansion cannot come at the expense of the infrastructure and natural systems needed to manage rainfall.

The FCT’s latest action demonstrates the need for authorities to combine enforcement with long-term investment in drainage infrastructure, flood mapping and transparent development controls.

The immediate demolition order may address individual structures, but preventing future flooding will require consistent planning enforcement before buildings are constructed.

For Abuja’s housing market, the message is clear: a development that ignores waterways and drainage can become a risk to both its residents and the wider city.

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration has completed a vast portfolio of public infrastructure works, with approximately 70 percent of those finished developments originating from legacy contracts that had been abandoned for 15 to 16 years. This massive structural revival aligns directly with executive mandates issued by President Bola Tinubu, which stipulate that all viable, publicly funded government projects must be completed to prevent asset waste. Speaking during a comprehensive monthly media interaction in Abuja, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike explained that the current administration purposefully prioritized completing these historical works before deploying resources into entirely fresh capital construction.

According to data released during the briefing, roughly 60 percent of all physical engineering assets delivered over the last three years were originally awarded over a decade ago but left completely dormant by previous regimes. The administration opted for a dual development model, concurrently managing legacy property handovers while initiating modern road expansions across outlying satellite communities. This aggressive urban construction approach aims to systematically decongest central traffic corridors, improve cross-regional connectivity, and open up newly plotted districts for private residential real estate and commercial investment.

The accelerated pace of this regional transformation was heavily attributed to structural fiscal adjustments approved by the Presidency, specifically the extraction of the capital territory’s budget from the centralized Treasury Single Account framework. This financial autonomy ensures that contractors receive payments reliably without prolonged administrative delays, drastically raising investor confidence in the territory’s expanding infrastructure pipeline. Alongside these structural successes, the administration has introduced strict fiscal discipline, which includes reversing the local budget balance to heavily favor capital investments while actively blocking systemic avenues previously used for the diversion of public funds.

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that the FCT Administration will embark on a 31-day project commissioning programme across Abuja to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Speaking during a political luncheon in Port Harcourt, Wike described the month-long exercise as an unprecedented commissioning marathon designed to showcase major infrastructure projects, including road networks, public utilities and urban renewal initiatives transforming the nation’s capital.

According to the minister, the extensive commissioning schedule reflects the level of development achieved under the current administration and demonstrates the impact of President Tinubu’s support for the FCT.

“This third year of Mr. President alone, we are taking 31 days for commissioning of projects in Abuja. I’m not talking about boreholes. I challenge anybody to contradict this,” Wike stated.

Abuja Infrastructure Projects to Take Centre Stage

Wike said the commissioning programme would feature key infrastructure projects executed by the FCT Administration, highlighting improvements in transportation, public services and urban development.

He noted that the projects represent some of the most significant investments undertaken in Abuja in recent years and are aimed at improving the quality of life for residents while boosting economic activities in the capital city.

The minister also defended the administration’s record, insisting that the scale and quality of ongoing projects speak for themselves despite criticism from political opponents.

Wike Extends Olive Branch to Rivers Political Opponents

Beyond discussing infrastructure development, Wike adopted a conciliatory tone regarding political tensions in Rivers State, calling on former allies and opponents to reconcile and work together.

“I use this opportunity today to announce that I have forgiven everybody. I want you to come back home sincerely. We have played politics, we have abused ourselves, this is the right time for you to come back,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor emphasized the need for unity while expressing readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders interested in the progress of the state.

Warns Against External Interference in Rivers Politics

Despite extending an olive branch, Wike cautioned against what he described as external interference in Rivers State politics, maintaining confidence in his political structure.

He described his political alliance as a strong “rainbow coalition” capable of maintaining its influence in the state.

“Anybody from another state who is trying to destroy Rivers State, the person will have problems. You put your hand, you get fire,” he warned.

The minister also expressed confidence in the future of his political camp, stating that it remains well-positioned for upcoming political contests.

Commitment to Development

Wike reiterated that the FCT Administration remains focused on delivering impactful projects that will improve infrastructure, expand economic opportunities and support national development.

He assured residents that the upcoming commissioning programme would provide tangible evidence of the administration’s efforts to transform Abuja through strategic investments in critical infrastructure.

The post Wike Announces 31-Day Project Commissioning Marathon Across Abuja appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the FCT Administration’s policy of allocating land to diplomatic personnel and investors, insisting the process follows established government procedures aimed at promoting development and investment.

Wike spoke on Thursday in Abuja while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

The minister criticised individuals and organisations questioning the policy, accusing some of hypocrisy and selective criticism despite previously benefiting from similar land allocations.

According to him, land allocation remains a legitimate government tool for encouraging urban development and economic growth within the capital city.

“When you live in a glass house, don’t throw stones. Some of those criticising the policy were also allocated land, and they are not among the poor,” Wike said.

He also took a swipe at media organisations opposing the policy, arguing that media businesses operate commercially and should not pretend otherwise.

The minister noted that media houses generate income through advertisements, sponsored coverage, and commercial news content to sustain their operations.

Wike dismissed claims that the FCT Administration was selling public land, clarifying that allocations are granted under clearly defined investment and development conditions.

“The FCT does not sell land; it allocates land based on specific agreements and development conditions,” he stated.

He explained that all beneficiaries, including diplomats, are required to pay statutory processing fees before obtaining Certificates of Occupancy.

The minister further revealed that many of the disputed land allocations being criticised were originally approved by previous administrations.

According to him, governance is a continuous process and cannot be separated from decisions made by former officials.

“Government is continuous. You cannot pretend that previous allocations did not happen simply because leadership has changed,” he said.

Wike also warned that all allocated lands must be developed according to agreed timelines and conditions or risk revocation by the government.

He cited the case of Jabi Lake, where land allocated decades ago reportedly remained undeveloped before being reclaimed and reassigned to new investors.

The minister rejected arguments that prime lands should be reserved only for low-income residents, stressing that strategic locations require significant investment to transform them into world-class economic and tourism hubs.

“Prime locations require serious investment and proper development. Emotional arguments will not build modern cities,” he added.

Wike maintained that his administration would continue to prioritise practical development policies and infrastructural growth over populist sentiments.

“I will always stand by the truth. What matters is development and results, not public applause,” he said.

The post Wike Defends FCT Land Allocation to Diplomats, Blasts Critics appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , has ordered the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on land originally allocated to foreign embassies in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension in Abuja.

Wike issued the directive on Friday while addressing journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across the .

Minister Condemns Land Invasion

According to the minister, the land was officially allocated in March 2008 to several diplomatic missions for residential purposes but was later taken over by a private developer who began construction without approval from the (FCDA).

Wike described the development as illegal and vowed that the structures would be removed.

“We cannot allow this kind of land invasion to continue. Somebody just came here, took the land and started developing it without approval,” he said.

Embassies Affected

The minister listed several diplomatic missions whose allocated plots were affected by the illegal development. These include embassies of:

• Thailand
• Bulgaria
• Syria
• Somalia
• Serbia and Montenegro
• Japan
• Austria
• Switzerland
• Senegal

A portion of the land was also reserved for the for a power station project.

Arrest Made Over Illegal Development

Wike disclosed that the suspected developer responsible for the project has been arrested and will soon face prosecution.

According to him, law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the case and legal proceedings will begin shortly.

“The man has been arrested and he will be charged in court. The police are already handling the investigation,” he said.

Infrastructure Projects Near Completion

During the inspection, the minister visited several ongoing infrastructure projects, including road projects connecting Wuse to the Central Area and the Tungan-Madaki road near the airport corridor.

He expressed optimism that many of the projects would be completed ahead of the third anniversary of the administration of .

Wike reiterated that the FCT Administration would continue to enforce development regulations to protect government land and ensure proper urban planning in the capital city.

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has released four telephone numbers for residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to report cases of uncleared refuse across Abuja.

The move is part of efforts to tackle the growing waste management challenge in the territory and ensure that sanitation contractors carry out their duties promptly and effectively.

Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, urged residents to actively participate in monitoring sanitation activities by submitting photographic and video evidence of uncleared refuse.

Olayinka explained that such reports should be sent via WhatsApp, with clear details of the location provided to enable the authorities identify the responsible waste management contractors.

He said the initiative is aimed at strengthening accountability and improving environmental cleanliness across the FCT.

According to him, residents can report sanitation lapses using the following phone numbers: 08038643087, 07011073406, 07011255710 and 09114843425.

The FCTA reiterated its commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment and called on residents to support government efforts by promptly reporting sanitation issues.

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