FCT Workers Launch Indefinite Strike Over Unresolved Labor Issues

Workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria have started an indefinite strike as of Wednesday. This action follows a seven-day ultimatum given to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, regarding unresolved labor disputes, particularly affecting teachers.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT Council made this announcement after a meeting. According to the council Chairman, Knabayi Adalo, the strike was necessary because the FCT administration did not address the workers’ demands.

One key demand is to remove the requirement that there must be job openings for teachers to get promotions. Adalo stated that this rule is causing career stagnation and low morale among teachers. Other demands include reversing recent demotions and redeployments of directors in education agencies and allowing eligible teachers from 2025 to take promotion exams alongside those from 2026.

Adalo criticized the FCT Administration’s response to these issues, calling it unclear and unacceptable. He noted that a letter from the Head of the Civil Service indicated that the minister wanted to delay action on the concerns raised, which the union found unsatisfactory.

The union has instructed all schools, hospitals, and government offices in the FCT to close until their demands are met. They have also set up committees to ensure compliance with the strike and assured workers that they would not face repercussions for participating.