The Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sealed the secretariat door in response to the Labour union’s ongoing industrial action. Recall that on May 31, 2024, the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress urged its members to go on indefinite strike beginning June 3. According to the unions, the action was taken because the Federal Government failed to raise the N60,000 minimum wage it provided workers and refused to reverse the recent hike in energy tariffs.

Mrs Rifkatu Lortyer, President of JUAC, told NAN in Abuja on Monday, 3 June 2024, that the committee’s decision to refuse workers access to the Secretariat complied with NLC and TUC directives. Lortyer emphasized that JUAC, as a Labour Organization, must completely execute the strike. “My advice to FCTA employees is straightforward: stay at home and be the obedient workers you’ve always been. The strike action is for the interest of the Nigerian workers,” she stated.

During the May Day celebrations, the Labour Union issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding that negotiations on a new national minimum wage be completed by May 31. Festus Osifo, President of the TUC, told reporters that the strike was essential because the government on Friday, 31 May 2024, during the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage meeting, refused to enhance the N60,000 wage and to rescind the increase in electricity tariffs.

Following an unsuccessful meeting with National Assembly leaders, the Nigerian Labour Congress confirmed that the nationwide strike would go ahead. Despite calls to end the strike, Labour Leaders insist on continuing due to unresolved minimum wage issues.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House Tajuddeen Abbas presided over the deliberations, which were joined by high-ranking government officials such as Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President.

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