On December 1, 2024, workers in the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria are set to commence an indefinite strike as directed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), a move prompted by the unresolved issue of the new minimum wage of N70,000. This decision was made by the Federal Capital Territory Council of the NLC, led by Chairman Stephen Knabayi, who disclosed the strike in a letter obtained by reporters. The protest is part of a broader industrial action initiated by the NLC, which has called for workers in fourteen states, including the FCT, to engage in this strike due to non-implementation of the agreed minimum wage.
The letter highlights serious concerns over the lack of response from Area Council Chairmen regarding the demand for the new minimum wage, despite being informed through a communique from the NLC’s National Executive Council on November 14, 2024. Knabayi pointed out that the refusal of the council chairmen to act upon the directive not only contravenes legal stipulations but also shows a blatant disregard for workers’ welfare. The NLC insists that the implementation of the minimum wage is not just a contractual obligation but a fundamental right that must be upheld.
Expressing the gravity of the situation, Knabayi described the non-implementation as a “gross violation of the law,” emphasizing that this failure adversely affects the well-being of workers employed in the area councils. The NLC’s determination to follow through with the strike illustrates the escalating tension between workers’ rights and governmental responsibilities, particularly in regard to labor standards that are intended to sustain a living wage in light of rising economic challenges.
Further complicating the situation are allegations of delayed payments and unaddressed entitlements for workers, particularly among primary school teachers within the FCT. The communication from Knabayi also articulated frustrations regarding the unacceptable delays in settling long-overdue payments for these educators, highlighting the broader implications of administrative inaction on the livelihoods of public servants.
The NLC has made it clear that their resolution, reached during their State Administrative Council (SEC) Meeting on November 12, 2024, reflects a collective decision to take serious measures against any government body that fails to meet their wage obligations. This decision to strike was ratified unanimously by the officials present, demonstrating a unified commitment to ensuring compliance with the new wage laws.
As the countdown to the planned strike continues, the NLC remains poised to uphold their stance on the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage. They are calling all workers in the six area councils of the FCT to mobilize for the protest, firmly establishing that the strike will persist indefinitely until further directives are provided. This bold declaration not only underscores the urgency of the matter but also seeks to pressure local government authorities into addressing and rectifying the salaries and entitlements owed to their workers.
