NLC Threatens to Shut Down FCT Over Prolonged Area Council Workers’ Strike

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, declaring its readiness to completely shut down the capital city following the conclusion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s project inaugurations on July 3, 2025. The planned action is a response to what the union describes as persistent neglect of area council workers’ demands, which have led to the paralysis of essential services across the FCT.

In an interview granted to journalists on Thursday in Abuja, the NLC FCT Chairman, Comrade Stephen Knabayi, said the union could no longer remain silent while workers in critical sectors, including primary education and health care, continue to suffer due to the non-payment of minimum wage and a 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

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Knabayi described the situation as “very unfortunate,” accusing the six area council chairmen of deliberately abandoning their responsibilities to the workforce. He lamented that primary health care centres remained shut, while public primary school teachers had been on strike for months, leaving children without access to basic education.

“The secretariats of all six area councils have been deserted. Teachers and health workers are at home. Yet, the FCT Administration continues to ignore the cries of the workforce. This is unacceptable,” Knabayi said.

According to him, the decision to launch a mass protest was not taken lightly. The NLC had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum on June 13 to compel the FCT authorities to resolve the impasse. That ultimatum, which expired on June 20, was backed by the joint unions representing teachers, local government employees, and health workers—namely, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and the National Association of Health Workers.

Ultimatum Extension for Tinubu’s Second Anniversary Projects

Interestingly, the NLC chose not to act immediately after the expiration of the ultimatum. Knabayi explained that this decision was made out of respect for President Tinubu’s ongoing project commissioning activities in the FCT, which are being held to commemorate his second year in office.

“We extended our deadline to allow the President to complete the inauguration of major projects undertaken by the FCT Administration. However, once those activities conclude—hopefully by July 3—we will not hesitate to mobilize and shut down Abuja,” Knabayi declared.

He stressed that the union’s patience has been tested enough, and if the administration continues to show indifference to workers’ welfare, the NLC will move into full action, taking over the streets of the capital to demand justice.

Union Set for Mass Action, Notifies Security Agencies

The NLC has reportedly informed security agencies and the FCT Administration of its intention to stage a large-scale demonstration across the territory. Knabayi described the planned action as a “last resort,” but insisted it was necessary to press home the demands of the suffering workers.

“By law, we have the right to peaceful protest, and this will be massive. Our members are tired of empty promises. We are not just protesting for wages; we are protesting for the right to work with dignity,” he said.

He reiterated that the union has always shown goodwill and maintained dialogue, but the prolonged silence from the authorities has now become intolerable.

Implications of Impending Shutdown

If the NLC goes ahead with its plan to shut down the FCT, it could cause major disruption in government activities, transportation, education, and public health services. Abuja, as the nation’s capital, is not only home to key government offices but also a hub for diplomatic and business engagements. A citywide strike could draw national and international attention to the ongoing labor crisis.

The situation highlights broader concerns about Nigeria’s commitment to labor welfare and the implementation of wage reforms, particularly at the local government level. It also raises questions about fiscal responsibility, as local councils often cite lack of funds as a reason for non-compliance with wage and allowance agreements.

NLC’s Next Move

The NLC has called on all its affiliate unions, civil society partners, and concerned Nigerians to stand in solidarity with FCT workers. Knabayi emphasized that the planned action is not politically motivated but rooted in genuine concerns for workers’ rights and the breakdown of public services.

“We hope the FCT Administration acts before July 3. But if they don’t, we will act. The people of Abuja deserve better. Our workers deserve respect,” he concluded.

As the July 3 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the FCT Administration and whether it will make any move to address the demands or risk a total shutdown of Nigeria’s seat of power.