- Organised labour and the FCT Minister resolved their dispute after weeks of industrial action in Abuja
- A late-night meeting mediated by the Senate led to assurances of mutual respect and no victimisation of workers
- Following the agreement, unions directed all affected workers to resume duties, restoring normalcy across the FCT
Organised labour and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, have resolved their dispute, ending weeks of industrial action and paving the way for the immediate resumption of work for affected employees across the FCT.
The resolution was formally conveyed in a circular issued on Tuesday to all affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) operating within Abuja. The circular was jointly signed by the Secretary-General of the TUC, Mr Nuhu Toro, and the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Mr Benson Upah.
According to the circular, the breakthrough followed a conciliatory meeting between labour leaders and the FCT minister, convened at the instance of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi. The intervention by the Senate committee was described as crucial to resolving the impasse.
The document revealed that the meeting commenced at about 11:45 p.m. on Sunday and continued into the early hours of Monday, concluding at approximately 3:51 a.m. after extensive deliberations. During the marathon session, all issues raised by members of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) were exhaustively examined.
Organised labour stated that the FCT minister gave firm assurances of “mutual respect” in dealings with workers and pledged sustained engagement with labour unions on all employment-related matters within the FCT Administration. Labour leaders said these assurances were central to the decision to suspend the industrial action.
The circular further disclosed that both parties agreed that no worker would be victimised for participating in the strike. In addition, it was resolved that all pending cases arising from the dispute at the National Industrial Court would be withdrawn with immediate effect.
Following the agreement, the NLC and TUC directed all affected workers to return to their duties without delay. The directive applies to all affiliates of both labour centres under the FCT Administration, and union leaders urged strict compliance in the interest of industrial peace and harmony.
Labour leaders described the outcome of the engagement as a demonstration of good faith by all parties involved, reiterating that dialogue and firm guarantees against victimisation were key preconditions before suspending the strike.
The workers embarked on industrial action on January 19 over unresolved grievances, including welfare concerns and allegations of high-handedness in the administration of labour matters in the FCT.
With the resolution now in place, both labour and government stakeholders expressed optimism that normalcy would return fully to public services in the nation’s capital, while emphasising the need for continued dialogue to prevent future disputes. (NAN)