By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning of a total shutdown of Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, immediately after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu concludes his project inauguration ceremonies on July 3.
This was disclosed by the NLC Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory, Comrade Stephen Knabayi, during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja. He said the union’s planned action is in response to the persistent neglect of area council workers, who have been on strike for months over unpaid minimum wage arrears and a 40 percent peculiar allowance.
According to Knabayi, critical services across the FCT—including primary schools and health centres—have been shut down as a result of the industrial action. The six area council secretariats have also been deserted, bringing grassroots governance in the territory to a halt.
He described the situation as “very unfortunate” and blamed the failure of the FCT Administration and area council chairmen for the prolonged hardship faced by essential workers and residents alike.
The union leader recalled that a seven-day ultimatum was issued to the FCT Administration on June 13, following a resolution by the joint unions comprising the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and the National Association of Health Workers.
Although the ultimatum expired on June 20 without resolution, the union opted to delay action in respect of President Tinubu’s ongoing project inaugurations to mark his second year in office.
“We had to extend the ultimatum because of Tinubu’s movements to inaugurate FCT-executed projects. But once the ceremonies are over, we will not hesitate to take over the streets of Abuja,” Knabayi warned.
He added that the union has duly informed the FCT Administration and relevant security agencies of the impending protest, which he said will bring activities in the capital to a standstill as a final measure to compel authorities to meet their demands.
