NLC Escalates Abuja Strike, Orders Mass Mobilization for Monday Court Hearing.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has officially stepped into the fray of the ongoing industrial dispute in the nation’s capital, accusing the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) of systemic wage abuse and the “intimidation” of its workforce.
In a powerful show of solidarity, NLC President Joe Ajaero announced that the congress is moving beyond mere support to a “total escalation” of the strike. The NLC has now directed all affiliate unions within Abuja to join the action, effectively turning a localized dispute into a territory-wide struggle for workers’ rights.
Following consultations with the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), the NLC highlighted several critical failures by the FCTA leadership:
Withholding of Earned allowances resulting to a failure to pay five months of wage awards and outstanding promotion arrears. Non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions since May 2025. Allegations of workers being incarcerated and restricted from using mobile phones while on duty.
The NLC characterized the current situation as a “vicious cocktail of administrative impunity,” arguing that the strike is a necessary defense against the erosion of workers’ dignity.
“Unless these issues are quickly resolved, we will strengthen this struggle to ensure that the abuse of rights is mitigated and dignity is restored.”
The NLC has issued a “convergence order” for Monday, January 26, 2026. All workers in the FCT are expected to gather at the National Industrial Court in Abuja. The goal is to flood the court premises during the hearing to demonstrate a collective, unwavering resolve for justice.
In addition to the court mobilization, the NLC has instituted daily prayer and solidarity sessions (8:00 am to 5:00 pm) and is actively building alliances with student groups and civil society organizations to broaden the pressure on the government.
“The patience of the working class is exhausted,” Ajaero warned. “Unless these issues are quickly resolved, we will strengthen this struggle to ensure that the abuse of rights is mitigated and dignity is restored.”
