The Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to shut down Abuja after July 3 if the FCT Administration fails to address ongoing industrial disputes affecting area council workers.
FCT NLC Chairman, Dr Stephen Knabayi, issued the warning during an interview with newsmen on Thursday.
He said the protest is intended to compel the authorities to address longstanding welfare concerns.
He explained that the union had deliberately delayed action to allow President Bola Tinubu to conclude project inauguration in the FCT, which end on July 3.
“We had to extend the ultimatum because of Tinubu’s movements to inaugurate the FCT-executed projects,” Knabayi said.
“Once that ends, union members will take over the streets of Abuja. We are waiting for it to conclude before we step up our action.”
The FCT has witnessed months of industrial unrest across its six area councils, with health centres closed, public school teachers on strike, and council offices largely deserted.
The disputes centre on unpaid arrears of the national minimum wage, non-payment of a 40% peculiar allowance, and failure to implement previously agreed salary increases of 25% and 35%.
Workers are also demanding the implementation of the N35,000 wage award promised by the Federal Government.
Knabayi described the situation as unacceptable and blamed local council chairmen for their inaction despite multiple appeals and interventions.
“This is very unfortunate. A strike or protest is always a last resort, but we were left with no choice. It won’t be a small thing if they fail to act,” he said.
According to him, the NLC, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, and the National Association of Health Workers, had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration on June 13.
That ultimatum expired on June 20 with no response, prompting mobilisation for a large-scale protest.
Knabayi added that the FCT Administration and security agencies have been notified of the planned demonstration, which he described as a final warning to the authorities.
He also lamented the suspension of the N70,000 minimum wage in the area councils, which was introduced in May but halted the following month without explanation.
“It is very unfortunate that, up to now, nothing has been done to address the welfare crisis in the area councils,” he concluded.
