The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that a ₦12bn salary approval was granted to address outstanding entitlements owed to FCT workers, following the court-ordered suspension of the industrial action.
Speaking after the ruling of the National Industrial Court, Wike said the approval demonstrated that the FCT Administration had acted within its authority to resolve the dispute.
“The approval of over ₦12bn for salaries was secured. This shows that the administration is not unwilling to pay workers,” Wike said.
‘Do not scapegoat officials’
Wike cautioned labour leaders against what he described as attempts to scapegoat individuals within the FCT Administration, insisting that salary implementation involves multiple procedural stages beyond political approval.
“It is not fair to begin to look for scapegoats when processes are still ongoing. These matters require due administrative procedures,” he added.
NLC pushes back
The Nigeria Labour Congress rejected that framing, insisting that the strike resulted from prolonged delays despite prior agreements.
Speaking on behalf of organised labour, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the confirmation of the ₦12bn approval raised further questions about why workers were not paid earlier.
“If approvals were already in place, then workers should not have been pushed to the point of industrial action. Our members acted because commitments were not honoured,” Ajaero said.
Court order and mediation
The interlocutory injunction issued by Justice E.D. Subilim of the National Industrial Court remains in force, directing workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to return to work pending determination of the substantive suit.
JUAC leadership has indicated compliance with the order, while labour unions say they will pursue outstanding issues through mediation rather than further disruption.
As negotiations resume, the FCT workers strike update reflects continuing disagreement over accountability, timing and implementation — even as both sides signal willingness to resolve the dispute.
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