ABUJA – Primary healthcare centres across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been completely shut down as local government employees launched an indefinite strike, creating a critical public health emergency that is leaving vulnerable residents, especially expectant mothers, without essential medical services.
Strike Paralyzes Healthcare Infrastructure
The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has closed all primary healthcare facilities, forcing patients to seek alternative medical support. The strike has effectively rendered multiple health centres in the FCT non-operational, with significant implications for community health.
Wage Dispute Drives Industrial Action
Workers are demanding the implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage, with the strike extending beyond healthcare to include primary school teachers represented by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). The industrial action follows the receipt of February 2025 salaries without the promised wage increase.
Human Impact Revealed
Gloria Isah, an expectant mother stranded outside the Dutse Alhaji primary health centre, expressed her frustration. “If NYSC members can receive N70,000, why can’t local government workers be paid even more, considering the critical work they do?” Isah said, highlighting the workers’ grievances.
Political Pressure Mounts
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike faces increasing pressure to intervene and resolve the wage dispute. Residents are calling for immediate negotiations to restore essential services and address the workers’ compensation concerns.
The strike underscores the ongoing challenges in public sector employment and service delivery in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Capital Mirror will continue to provide updates on this developing situation.
