Capital City Paralysis: Abuja Grounded as FCT Workers’ Strike Enters Sixth Day

Official and academic activities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remain completely grounded as the indefinite strike by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) enters its sixth day. The strike, over unpaid wage awards and a litany of grievances, has expanded with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and local government workers (NULGE) joining in solidarity.

All public primary and secondary schools in the FCT’s six area councils are shut, while agency offices remain closed. A National Industrial Court is set to rule today on a suit by the FCT Administration challenging the strike’s legality, as workers yesterday blocked the office of Minister Nyesom Wike.

Key Points:

The extended strike is causing significant disruption to governance, education, and public services in the nation’s capital.
The expansion to include teachers and council workers demonstrates the solidarity among public sector unions and broadens the strike’s impact on citizens.
The legal battle and physical confrontation at the minister’s office indicate a severe breakdown in dialogue and escalating tensions between labor and the administration.
The union’s grievances highlight systemic issues of unpaid benefits, alleged financial mismanagement, and poor working conditions within the FCTA.
The protracted labor unrest underscores a persistent governance challenge in resolving public-sector disputes in the FCT, affecting residents’ welfare and children’s education.

The standoff represents a critical test of industrial relations in the capital, with the court’s ruling and potential negotiations holding the key to resolving the deepening crisis.

Sources: Daily Trust, Channels TV