Abuja came to a standstill on January 22, 2026, as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) fully supported the ongoing strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The strike, led by the Joint Unions Action Congress (JUAC), has been described by the labour union as a necessary action against what it called poor treatment and neglect of workers’ rights by the FCTA management.
The NLC accused the FCTA of failing to pay workers’ wages and promotions for five months, withholding pension contributions, and not remitting the National Housing Fund since May 2025. The union also raised concerns over intimidation of staff, restricted phone use at work, and harassment of union members, describing these as attempts to suppress dissent and limit workers’ rights.
In response, the NLC directed all affiliated unions in the FCT to join the strike fully, calling it a struggle that now represents every worker in the territory. Workers were asked to gather at the National Industrial Court on January 26, 2026, as the court is set to hear matters related to the dispute. The union also introduced daily prayer and solidarity sessions from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to sustain morale among striking workers until the issues are resolved.
The NLC instructed trade unions to form alliances with civil society groups, student organisations, community leaders, and other stakeholders, framing the conflict as a wider social struggle beyond labour issues. The union warned that the strike would escalate if the FCTA leadership did not address the workers’ demands quickly.
As the strike continued, offices and public services across the FCT remained inactive, raising concerns over economic and administrative disruptions in the nation’s capital. The NLC assured workers of its full support, urging them to stay committed to the action.
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