Labour Unions in FCT Threaten Strike Over Minimum Wage Non-Implementation.

Labour unions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have issued a strong warning of impending industrial action due to the failure to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage. This move aligns with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) directive for a nationwide strike set to commence on December 1, 2024.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the minimum wage bill into law on May 29, 2024, the FCT, along with seven other states—Zamfara, Sokoto, Osun, Cross River, Imo, Plateau, and Taraba—has yet to approve the new wage, which was expected to take effect in October.

In a statement to Punch, Stephen Knabayi, Chairman of the FCT Council of the NLC, expressed frustration over the administration’s inaction, stating that attempts to engage with the FCT government have been unsuccessful. He characterized the current treatment of workers as “unfair and unsustainable,” emphasizing that the ₦70,000 minimum wage falls short of meeting the rising cost of living.

Knabayi remarked, “FCT has not implemented the minimum wage. We have tried to meet with the FCT administration, but that has not been possible. We are going to follow the directive of the NLC and shut down everywhere by November 30. Even the ₦70,000 minimum wage is not enough, and it is unfair.”

Audu Akogwu, chairman of the FCT chapter of the Trade Union Congress, echoed these sentiments, alleging that the administration under Minister Nyesom Wike has not engaged with labour unions since his inauguration in August 2023. He highlighted that while the federal government has made wage payments, the FCT has not initiated any formal negotiations regarding the minimum wage.

The ongoing situation raises significant concerns about the welfare of workers in the FCT and underscores the urgent need for dialogue between labour representatives and the government to resolve these pressing issues.