A prolonged dispute between organised labour and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been resolved, clearing the way for the immediate return to work of affected employees across Abuja.
The breakthrough was formally communicated on Tuesday through a circular addressed to all affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) operating within the FCT Administration.
The circular, jointly signed by TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro and Acting NLC General Secretary Benson Upah, confirmed that both parties reached a consensus following a high-level conciliatory meeting with the FCT minister.
The engagement was convened at the instance of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi. Talks reportedly commenced at about 11:45 p.m. on Sunday and stretched into the early hours of Monday, ending around 3:51 a.m. after extensive deliberations.
Labour leaders said all grievances raised by members of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) were thoroughly discussed. They noted that Wike assured unions of mutual respect and pledged continued engagement on labour-related matters within the territory.
Both parties also agreed that no worker would face sanctions or victimisation for taking part in the strike. In addition, all pending cases filed at the National Industrial Court are to be withdrawn immediately.
Following the agreement, the NLC and TUC directed all affected workers to resume their duties without delay. The directive applies to every affiliate of both labour centres under the FCT Administration.
Labour leaders urged strict compliance with the directive, describing the resolution as a demonstration of good faith and a commitment to industrial harmony. They stressed that dialogue and firm guarantees against victimisation were key conditions for suspending the strike.
Workers in the FCT had downed tools on January 19 over unresolved welfare concerns and allegations of high-handedness by authorities.
