ABUJA — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have officially shelved their planned protest and directed all employees on the payroll of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to resume duties immediately.
The resolution was reached on Monday evening, February 2, 2026, following a high-stakes emergency meeting involving the leadership of the organized labour, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Senate Committee on FCT.
The Breakthrough Meeting
The suspension of the industrial action, which had crippled administrative activities in the nation’s capital for over a week, came after the government provided concrete assurances regarding the payment of outstanding welfare benefits.
The Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) had initially led the walkout over unpaid promotion arrears and other welfare concerns. However, the intervention of the Senate Committee served as a mediator between the unions and the Minister, who had previously taken a hardline stance by sacking two directors for alleged insubordination related to the strike.
Wike’s Commitments
During the deliberations, Minister Wike reaffirmed that the FCTA had already approved and commenced the disbursement of ₦12.5 billion to cover January salaries and a portion of the disputed arrears. He maintained that while the administration is committed to worker welfare, it would not tolerate “political sabotage” or the disruption of essential services.
In a show of goodwill following the labour leadership’s decision to call off the strike, the Minister reportedly agreed to review the disciplinary actions taken against some personnel during the heat of the crisis, provided that industrial peace is maintained.
Unions Issue Directive
In a joint statement, the NLC and TUC urged their members to return to their duty posts, noting that a “workable roadmap” has been established to clear all remaining entitlements. “We have secured the necessary commitments from the FCT Minister and the Senate.
Consequently, the planned protest is shelved, and all workers are to resume work with immediate effect,” the statement read.
The resumption of work is expected to bring relief to residents of Abuja who have faced delays in government services, land administration, and other critical municipal functions.
