BREAKING: Labour, Wike reach agreement as FCTA Workers resume duties

Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the umbrella of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), have suspended their planned protest and resumed work following a marathon conciliatory meeting with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

The meeting, convened at the instance of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi, began at 11:45 p.m. on Monday and ended a few minutes before 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

In a statement released shortly after the meeting, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and JUAC announced the suspension of the proposed mega protest earlier scheduled for Tuesday, January 3, 2026.

The statement, jointly signed by TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, and Acting NLC General Secretary, Benson Upah, disclosed that all grievances raised by FCTA workers were discussed and addressed exhaustively during the meeting.

According to the statement, Minister Wike committed to mutual respect for workers and sustained engagement with labour unions to prevent future disputes.

It was also resolved that no FCTA worker would be victimised as a result of participation in the strike, while all pending cases at the National Industrial Court relating to the dispute would be withdrawn immediately.

Following the agreements reached, all affiliates of JUAC, NLC and TUC were directed to resume work immediately, effective Tuesday, January 3, 2026. Labour leaders also urged workers to comply with the directive in the interest of peace and industrial harmony.

JUAC had embarked on an indefinite strike in mid-2025, which lingered into January 2026, over unresolved labour and welfare issues within the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

The unions’ demands included payment of wage awards, promotion arrears, correction of salary distortions, restoration of overheads, and remittance of pension deductions.

Other grievances were issues surrounding the prolonged tenure of directors, which unions say has stalled career progression for junior officers, as well as calls for a review of a computer-based promotional examination in which only about 22 per cent of candidates reportedly passed.