Federal Workers Forum Supports NLC’s Call to Shut Down Abuja Over Teachers’ Strike

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abuja Council’s threat to shut down the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in solidarity with striking area council workers, particularly teachers.

The strike, now in its 86th day, is over the non-implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage agreement signed in December 2024.

The crisis began when the six Area Councils failed to honor the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on December 11, 2024, which outlined a phased implementation of the minimum wage, payment of salary arrears, and funding through 50% of Internally Generated Revenue.

Despite repeated interventions and closed-door meetings, the Area Councils have not commenced payment or honored any part of the agreement.

In a statement signed by Comrades Andrew Emelieze, Itoro Obong, and Razaq Yakubu Oseni, the FWF expressed strong support for the mass action, urging the NLC to follow through with its ultimatum.

“We at the Federal Workers Forum are in full support of the call by the Abuja council of the NLC for a mass action to completely shut down the FCT,” the statement read. The FWF also cautioned the NLC against issuing threats without action, saying workers have long endured neglect.

The NLC had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration, demanding swift resolution of the teachers’ grievances.

The union condemned the FCT Administration’s silence, stating that failure to act within seven days would result in picketing of FCTA offices.

The FWF commended the resolve of the striking workers and their unions, calling on other industrial unions in the federal sector to take more decisive steps in defense of their members’ welfare.

Additional, the e FWF  reaffirmed its readiness to participate in the planned shutdown, stating that it will join FCT workers in solidarity if the government continues to delay the full implementation of the new minimum wage.