NLC Threatens to Shut Down Abuja Over Council Workers’ Crisis
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has warned that it will shut down Abuja after July 3, 2025, if the FCT Administration fails to resolve ongoing issues affecting area council workers.
The warning comes after months of strikes that have disrupted services in public schools, health centres, and council secretariats across the six area councils.
Chairman of the FCT NLC, Comrade Stephen Knabayi, said the protest was delayed out of respect for President Bola Tinubu, who is currently in Abuja for project inaugurations scheduled to end on July 3.
“We had to wait because of the President’s movements,” Knabayi said. “But once he’s done, our members will take to the streets.”
The unions are demanding:
- Payment of unpaid minimum wage arrears
- A 40% peculiar allowance
- Implementation of 25% and 35% salary increases
- Payment of the ₦35,000 wage award promised by the Federal Government
- Reinstatement of the ₦70,000 minimum wage that was introduced in May but suddenly stopped in June
They also accused council chairmen of ignoring repeated appeals and making no real effort to fix the problems.
The NLC said a 7-day ultimatum given to the FCT Administration on June 13 expired on June 20 without any action.
The union has informed both the FCT Administration and security agencies about the planned protest, warning that essential services may soon be completely shut down if no action is taken.
“This is our final warning,” the NLC said. “We will no longer watch while workers suffer in silence.”
