The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has shut down the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in protest against the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for Area Council workers, teachers, and health workers.
A large number of placard-carrying workers staged a peaceful protest, marching from the Labour House to the Minister’s office, chanting anti-government songs to emphasize their demands.
Tensions escalated when armed policemen at the main gate of the Minister’s office locked the gate, preventing the protesters from entering. However, the organised labour group stood firm, insisting that the Minister must address them.
They vowed to block the movement of staff and officials until their demands were heard.
A management staff member, Mandate Secretary, Lawrence Garki, attempted to address the protesters but was turned away amidst chants of “thief, thief.” The protesters are also demanding the resignation or removal of the six Area Council Chairmen, accusing them of being indifferent to their struggles.
The standoff persists at the gate as the protesters remain adamant that Wike must come out to address them.
