The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have directed all workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to resume work with immediate effect, effectively suspending the strike that disrupted activities across Abuja.
The directive followed a marathon conciliatory meeting between organised labour and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. It was contained in a joint circular issued by both labour centres.
“Consequently, all JUAC members and all affiliates of the TUC and NLC working in the Ministry of the FCT are hereby directed to resume work immediately,” the circular, jointly signed by TUC Secretary-General N.A. Toro and NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah, stated.
The unions urged strict compliance with the directive “in the interest of industrial peace and harmony, in good faith.”
According to organised labour, the breakthrough was achieved through the intervention of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Mohammed Bomoi. The meeting addressed issues that had paralysed operations at the FCTA Secretariat and other agencies since January 19.
The unions said all grievances raised by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) were resolved “to the satisfaction of all parties involved,” with the FCT Minister assuring workers of mutual respect and sustained engagement to ensure a harmonious working relationship.
Key resolutions reached include an agreement that no worker will be victimised for participating in the industrial action and that all pending cases at the National Industrial Court (NIC) related to the dispute will be withdrawn by the parties.
The JUAC-led strike was triggered by complaints including the alleged non-remittance of statutory deductions such as pensions and National Housing Fund contributions, delays in the payment of promotion arrears, and concerns over the conduct of promotion exercises.
The industrial action led to a shutdown of several departments and agencies under the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), prompting the FCT Administration to seek legal redress.
On January 27, the National Industrial Court ordered workers to suspend the strike, ruling that while the matter qualified as a trade dispute, the right to strike was not absolute once the issue had been brought before the court.
Despite the ruling, labour unions initially directed members to continue the strike, leading to heightened tensions.
On Monday, the NIC issued an interim order restraining the NLC, TUC and other parties from embarking on a planned protest on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Justice Emmanuel Sublim, ruling on an ex parte application filed by the FCT Minister and the FCTA, also directed security agencies to ensure there was no breakdown of law and order.
With the latest agreement, normal activities are expected to resume across FCTA offices and agencies in Abuja, bringing relief to residents and businesses affected by the shutdown.
