FCT Strike Ends as Wike, Labour Unions Reach Midnight Deal; Workers Ordered Back to Duty

A prolonged industrial dispute in the Federal Capital Territory has been resolved after a late-night conciliatory meeting between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and leaders of organised labour, leading to the immediate suspension of the strike action by workers.

The breakthrough was announced in a joint circular issued to affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Abuja.

The document, signed by TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro and NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah, confirmed that both parties reached an understanding after hours of negotiations convened by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi.

According to the circular, discussions began at 11:45 p.m. on Sunday and continued until 3:51 a.m. on Monday, with labour leaders stating that all concerns raised by the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) were comprehensively addressed.

The unions disclosed that the FCT minister assured them of mutual respect and pledged continuous engagement on labour matters affecting workers in the territory.

A key outcome of the meeting was the agreement that no worker would face victimisation for participating in the strike. Both sides also agreed to withdraw all pending cases at the National Industrial Court.

Following the agreement, the NLC and TUC directed all affected workers across the FCT Administration to resume work immediately, stressing the need to restore industrial harmony.

Labour leaders described the outcome as a demonstration of good faith, noting that firm assurances and dialogue were prerequisites for suspending the strike.

Workers had embarked on the industrial action on January 19, citing unresolved welfare issues and allegations of high-handedness.