On Thursday in Abuja, workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority said their strike will continue without a set end date after their union rejected moves by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to end the action. The Joint Union Action Committee stated that the strike remains active because workers’ demands have not been addressed.
The union said it has appealed the recent ruling of the National Industrial Court, explaining that the appeal allows the strike to remain in force until all issues are resolved. It informed workers that the legal step taken means they are still covered to stay away from work while discussions remain unresolved.
JUAC accused the minister and government officials of using pressure and threats instead of holding proper talks with workers. The union said such actions would not force workers to return to duty or abandon their demands. It maintained that the problems leading to the strike are still unresolved and require direct engagement.
The committee praised FCTA and FCDA staff for obeying the stay-at-home directive and standing together despite reported pressure from authorities. It said workers have shown discipline and unity since the strike began and urged them not to lose focus.
JUAC also claimed that some union leaders and workers are being targeted in an attempt to weaken the action. The union said it would not give in to any form of harassment and insisted that workers should continue to stay at home until further notice.
According to the union, the ongoing dispute can be resolved if the government is willing to engage sincerely and address workers’ demands instead of relying on forceful methods. It said responsibility for the continued shutdown lies with authorities who have refused to take steps toward a fair resolution.
The union ended by restating that the strike remains in place and called on all affected workers to remain united until clear instructions are given by its leadership.