Abuja, April 22, 2025
Tension is mounting in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory as local government workers and primary school teachers prepare for a major protest on Wednesday, April 23, over unpaid wages and stalled entitlements.
The aggrieved workers, under the banners of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), are demanding the full implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage, along with several outstanding allowances and benefits.
In Gwagwalada, Comrade Sa’ad Abdulmumin, Secretary of NULGE FCT, accused area council chairmen of deliberately neglecting the welfare of their workforce. He noted that despite the release of N4.1 billion by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for wage implementation and arrears settlement, the funds have yet to be applied as intended.
The workers’ demands go beyond the new minimum wage. They are also seeking the payment of a previously approved N30,000 wage award, salary adjustments ranging from 25 to 35 percent, a 40 percent peculiar allowance, and the full implementation of health sector salary structures. Additionally, the protesters are calling for the immediate remittance of pension deductions, which they claim have been withheld.
“This protest is our last resort,” Abdulmumin stated. “We have endured strikes, dialogues, and endless delays. Now we are demanding our rights — no more, no less.”
Efforts to reach Danladi Chiya, head of FCT ALGON, for comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.
The unions have vowed to sustain their protest until all outstanding entitlements are paid in full, warning that they will not stand down until justice is served.
