In a major show of unity, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced a peaceful solidarity rally scheduled for Tuesday, February 3. The move is designed to throw their full weight behind the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), representing workers of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) who are currently locked in a bitter dispute over unpaid salaries and welfare arrears.
The decision was made public through a joint statement from the NLC’s General Secretary, Benson Upah, and his TUC counterpart, Nuhu Toro. According to the labor centers, the rally is a necessary response to what they describe as the “shabby treatment” of workers within the Federal Capital Territory Administration. They emphasized that the Nigerian labor movement remains built on the principle that “an injury to one is an injury to all,” and they have no intention of leaving the FCDA workers to fight this battle alone.
The industrial crisis in the capital began on January 19, when JUAC members launched an indefinite strike that effectively paralyzed operations at the FCTA Secretariat and other key agencies. The workers are demanding the settlement of long-standing grievances, including unpaid promotion arrears and unremitted pension contributions dating back several months. While the FCT authorities claim to have met the majority of these demands, the unions insist that no formal or verifiable agreement has been implemented.
This planned rally comes at a time of heightened tension, following a recent National Industrial Court ruling that ordered the workers to suspend their strike. While some staff reportedly returned to their desks to avoid legal repercussions, the NLC and TUC leadership have challenged the ruling, arguing that the right to strike is a fundamental tool for justice. They have directed all their affiliates and state councils in the FCT to mobilize massively for tomorrow’s action, which they insist will be conducted peacefully and within the law.
The labor leaders are urging their members to remain courageous and steadfast despite what they call “fascistic tactics” aimed at breaking their resolve. For the NLC and TUC, this rally is more than just a protest; it is a public demonstration of resistance against the intimidation of the working class. As the situation unfolds, Reports will be monitoring the convergence points and providing updates on how this massive mobilization affects the FCT.
