The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has declared full support for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abuja Council’s recent threat to bring the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to a standstill. This bold move stems from the federal government’s continued failure to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage agreement for public school teachers and workers across the FCT’s six Area Councils.

In a joint statement released by FWF leadership, including Comrade Andrew Emelieze, former chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Oyo State; Comrade Itoro Obong, the forum’s National Secretary; and Comrade Razaq Yakubu Oseni, its Publicity Secretary, the group expressed unwavering solidarity with the striking workers. They urged the NLC to enforce its ultimatum and escalate industrial action unless authorities act immediately.

“We at the Federal Workers Forum are in full support of the call by the Abuja council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for a mass action to completely shut down the Federal Capital Territory if the government fails to meet the demands of striking FCT workers,” the statement read.

The workers’ forum emphasized that labour unions can no longer afford to issue hollow threats without corresponding action, warning that continued inaction would only deepen the frustration and suffering of underpaid workers.

Government’s Broken Promises Fuel Labour Unrest

The core of the current crisis lies in the federal government’s failure to fulfill terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on December 11, 2024. That agreement, endorsed by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and the NLC, established a framework for implementing a new minimum wage of ₦70,000, starting from January 2025.

The MoU also required the payment of at least five months’ salary arrears and directed each Area Council to dedicate 50% of its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to meeting workers’ wage obligations.

Despite the establishment of a tripartite implementation committee—chaired by Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud—none of the agreement’s key commitments had materialized as of mid-June 2025. This prolonged delay prompted the NLC FCT Chapter to issue a seven-day ultimatum on June 11, demanding immediate compliance.

“Your refusal to act on our position letter and demands served on April 24 and again on May 16 is noted with displeasure,” wrote Comrade Stephen Knabayi, Chairperson of the NLC FCT Chapter. “You are hereby notified that failure to act within seven days will result in the picketing of FCTA offices on June 19.”

The forum condemned what it described as “institutional silence” from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whose previous promises to resolve the wage issues have gone unfulfilled. The FWF accused the government of torturing its own workforce by delaying what has already been agreed upon and budgeted.

“We are extremely disappointed. Despite several assurances from the Honourable Minister, there has been no real progress,” the FWF stated. “Government cannot continue to treat its workforce with disdain.”

Workers Say Enough Is Enough

The FWF’s call to action was more than symbolic—it signaled an escalation of coordinated labour action across federal institutions. The forum’s leaders pledged to join in solidarity with striking FCT workers, warning that inaction could result in a complete paralysis of activities in Abuja, including schools, offices, and essential services.

“Our position is very clear,” they declared. “If the government fails to immediately implement the new wage structure for FCT workers, we will join our comrades to shut down the nation’s capital.”

In recent months, the FCT’s six Area Councils—Abuja Municipal, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, Kwali, and Abaji—have faced mounting pressure from teachers and local government workers demanding back pay and wage increases. Numerous public primary and secondary schools have already been shut for weeks, and administrative functions in many Area Councils have stalled.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Under Fire

The mounting labour tension has placed FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in the spotlight. Once celebrated for his swift infrastructure decisions in Abuja, Wike now faces criticism over his failure to resolve issues affecting civil servants, especially educators.

During previous meetings, Wike assured union leaders that their concerns would be addressed. However, months later, no concrete measures have been taken to honor those commitments. Labour groups argue that the Minister has effectively “abandoned” the agreements, pushing workers to the brink.

The NLC’s Abuja chapter described the silence from the FCT Administration as “a grave insult to the intelligence and patience of Nigeria’s labour force.”

“We have been more than patient. Our people cannot eat patience. We are demanding our rights, not a favor,” one teacher stated during a protest earlier this month.

Escalating Labour Unrest in the Nation’s Capital

The renewed threat to shut down the FCT comes amid a nationwide wave of labour dissatisfaction over wage issues, inflation, and rising costs of living. With food prices soaring and transportation costs crippling household incomes, workers say their stagnant salaries can no longer sustain them.

The FCT dispute reflects a broader challenge facing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has been criticized for slow implementation of wage reforms despite approving a new national minimum wage earlier this year.

Several state governments are yet to commence payment of the new wage, citing low revenue and high debt burdens. In some states, civil servants continue to earn wages as low as ₦18,000 to ₦30,000—figures far below the inflation-adjusted cost of living.

Solidarity Across Sectors Grows

The FWF urged other industrial unions—particularly those within the federal civil service—to take more decisive steps in defending the rights and welfare of their members. The forum believes that only coordinated, nationwide action will compel the government to treat wage agreements with the seriousness they deserve.

“This is not just about the FCT. It’s about every underpaid, overworked civil servant across Nigeria. We are ready to stand united,” said Comrade Itoro Obong.

Teachers’ unions, in particular, have rallied support, calling on parent associations, student groups, and the wider public to support the strike as a necessary step to restore dignity to public education in Nigeria.

Public Reactions and Future Outlook

Public reaction to the planned shutdown has been mixed. While many sympathize with the plight of teachers and council workers, others fear the consequences of a complete halt to government services in Abuja.

Economic analysts warn that such a mass action could have a ripple effect, potentially affecting financial institutions, transportation systems, utility services, and even the National Assembly if left unresolved.

Yet, labour leaders insist that the stakes are too high to remain silent.

“If we don’t act now, the suffering will continue for another generation,” said Comrade Razaq Yakubu Oseni. “The government must either fulfill its promises or face the collective will of the Nigerian worker.”