FCT Council Workers Suspend Three-Month Strike

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has announced the suspension of its three-month strike.

This will take effect from midnight on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

According to a statement signed by NULGE FCT President, Mr Abdullahi Kabi, and the Secretary, Mr Abdulmumini Sa’ad, the decision came after a State Executive Council meeting held on Monday, July 14, at the State Secretariat in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

He disclosed that at the meeting, union leaders resolved to call off the strike after extensive discussions and appeals from the Minister, the FCT Traditional Council, and other stakeholders.

Mr Wike directed that 10 per cent of the Area Councils’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) be used to clear three months’ salary arrears owed to the workers. This move was pivotal in ending the industrial action that had paralysed local government operations in the FCT.

Mr Kabi expressed gratitude, stating, “We are thankful to Minister Wike and all stakeholders for their commitment to resolving this issue. The decision to suspend the strike reflects our confidence in the minister’s directive to utilise the Area Councils’ IGR to pay our arrears.”

The union also announced the formation of a special committee, working alongside Mr Wike’s team, to harmonise all outstanding arrears within two weeks. This committee will collaborate with the National Assembly House Committee on FCT matters to ensure a comprehensive resolution.

However, it was revealed that key outstanding issues remain, including the unpaid 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance since January 2023, salary adjustments under CONHESS/CONMESS and CONPSS effective June 2023, a N35,000 wage award due from August 2024, and unresolved pension deductions and promotion arrears.

Mr Kabi emphasised, “While we have suspended the strike, we remain committed to engaging with Area Council Chairmen to resolve these pending entitlements swiftly. Our aim is to sustain industrial peace and harmony within the FCT.”