Organised labour unions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called off their strike action following a breakthrough meeting with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, bringing relief to workers and residents across Abuja.
The decision to suspend the industrial action was announced in a circular issued on Tuesday to all affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) under the FCT Administration.
The circular, jointly signed by TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro and Acting NLC General Secretary Benson Upah, confirmed that both sides reached a truce after hours of negotiations.
Late-Night Talks Yield Agreement
According to labour leaders, the meeting — convened by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi — began around 11:45 p.m. on Sunday and stretched into the early hours of Monday, ending about 3:51 a.m.
During the session, representatives of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) presented key concerns affecting workers, including welfare issues, alleged high-handedness in labour management, and poor consultation with union leaders.
Minister Wike reportedly assured the unions of continuous dialogue and stronger engagement on labour matters going forward.
Key Agreements Reached
As part of the resolution:
No worker will face victimisation for participating in the strike
All pending court cases related to the dispute at the National Industrial Court will be withdrawn
Labour and the FCT Administration will continue discussions to address outstanding issues
Following the agreement, the NLC and TUC directed all affected workers to immediately return to duty.
Backstory
The strike, which began on January 19, disrupted several services in Abuja after unions accused the FCT Administration of neglecting longstanding grievances.
Before agreeing to suspend the action, labour leaders had demanded direct engagement with authorities, guarantees against retaliation, and a clear commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation.
A Step Toward Industrial Peace
Union leaders have now urged workers to comply with the return-to-work directive, stressing that the agreement marks a fresh start for improved industrial harmony within the FCT.
For many residents and businesses in Abuja, the suspension of the strike comes as welcome news, restoring normal operations across the capital.
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