The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has thrown its support behind the indefinite strike by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers, describing the industrial action as an appropriate response to what it described as persistent violations of workers’ rights.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its president, Joe Azero, the NLC said it stands in “very strong solidarity” with the FCTA workers working under the Joint Unions Action Congress (JUAC).
Ajero described the strike as “necessary and heroic”, alleging that workers faced continued administrative impunity, rights violations, and policies he described as hostile to labor.
He said talks with JUAC leadership pointed to a “deliberate and planned attack” on the working class in the country's capital, accusing FCTA management and political leadership of practices of exploitation and bureaucratic oppression.
According to the NLC, issues of salary abuse were clearly established, citing alleged withholding of five months salary awards and promotion dues. Azero said the action went beyond administrative failure and amounted to a denial of workers' legitimate earnings and livelihood.
The Labor Center also accused the FCTA of failing to repay pension contributions and National Housing Fund cuts from May 2025, warning that the alleged default posed long-term economic risks to both serving and retired workers.
AZERO condemned reports of intimidation of workers, including restrictions on phone use and imprisoning workers, and described such actions as unlawful and contrary to constitutional provisions and international labor standards.
As part of the escalation of the dispute, the NLC directed all its affiliate unions within the Federal Capital Territory to fully engage with the ongoing strike.
The Congress also called on workers to converge on the National Industrial Court on January 26, when the court is expected to hear a suit filed by the FCTA and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, challenging the legality of the strike.
Warning that workers' tolerances were “running low”, Azero said failure to address complaints could trigger further actions.
“To the FCTA workers, your struggle is our struggle,” he said, adding that a successful outcome would represent “a victory for every exploited worker in Nigeria.”
