Wike reacts to Workers indefinite strike, insists 10 of 14 demands met

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has addressed the grievances of the FCTA workforce following the commencement of an indefinite strike by approximately 40,000 employees today.

The industrial action, driven by allegations of poor service conditions, has effectively paralyzed activities at the FCTA headquarters and its agencies across the nation’s capital.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, the Minister provided a detailed response to the situation.

The FCT Minister also ordered security personnel to protect workers who choose to report for duty, a directive perceived by some labor leaders as a strategic move to break the strike’s momentum.

The statement, titled “10 Out Of 14 Demands Of Workers Have Been Met, Remaining Four Being Addressed,” emphasized that the Administration has substantially addressed the unions’ concerns.

“The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) wishes to state that 10 out of the 14 demands of the striking workers have been met, while the remaining demands are currently being reviewed with a view to addressing them,” the statement read.

It further noted that not all unions support the strike: “Workers under various unions, such as the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, have dissociated themselves from the action. These workers deserve the right to access their offices and perform their duties without hindrance.”

To bolster this claim, the statement cited a letter from the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCTA), which reportedly commended Minister Wike for his exemplary leadership and commitment to the welfare of healthcare workers, specifically highlighting the payment of longstanding 13-month hazard allowance arrears and a one-month wage award.

According to the statement, top FCTA officials engaged in a series of meetings with union leaders over the weekend.

During a meeting with the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) on Friday, January 16, the Minister’s interventions were reportedly outlined clearly.

“An appeal was made to JUAC officials that the pending issues were not severe enough to warrant a strike and that dialogue should be the chosen path for resolving outstanding staff welfare issues,” the statement noted.

Addressing specific financial demands, the administration clarified: “Regarding the non-payment of the outstanding five-month Wage Award, payment has already commenced. Additionally, the outstanding 13-month Hazard Allowance and 22-month Rural Allowance for health workers have been fully paid.”

The workers’ demands also include the payment of 2023 promotion arrears and outstanding 2024 promotion arrears.