Parts of Abuja were thrown into tension on Monday as workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) reportedly chased the motorcade of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during protests over unpaid salaries and unresolved welfare issues.
The workers, who have been on strike, grew agitated as Wike’s convoy passed through their picket area. A video seen by Naija News showed protesters chanting “ole” (thief) and moving toward the minister’s vehicles, demanding urgent attention to their grievances.
The demonstration was part of a larger strike action, supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with workers picketing the National Industrial Court in Abuja. The strike is indefinite, reflecting frustration over unresolved disputes with FCTA management.
The NLC stated its full backing for the industrial action, describing it as necessary due to repeated violations of workers’ rights by the FCTA and political leadership.
Workers listed several unresolved concerns, including unpaid promotion arrears, poor working conditions, and lack of essential tools. They said repeated attempts to resolve these issues with FCTA authorities had yielded no results.
At the court, protesters carried placards demanding the removal of Minister Wike, signaling mounting anger over unaddressed welfare matters. The protest disrupted parts of Abuja’s central district and highlighted growing dissatisfaction among civil servants with administrative responses.
Labour leaders stressed that the strike was a last resort after months of unsuccessful negotiations with the FCTA.
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