Strike: FCT workers issue fresh ultimatum

Wike

Staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, under the Joint Union Action Committee, ended their three-day protest on Wednesday, issuing a fresh 21-day ultimatum, within which their demands must be met.

The development comes as the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is expected to meet with the chairmen of the six area councils in the FCT, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and the National Association of Nigerian Students over the ongoing strike by primary school teachers and workers.

The PUNCH recalls that members of the union commenced the protest on Monday, June 30, 2025, over non-payment of salaries to staff, the prolonged FCT primary school teachers’ strike and payment of wage awards to health workers, while demanding the sacking of the chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh.

The protest followed a statement issued by the President of JUAC, Rifkatu Iortyer, mobilising affiliate unions to join the three-day protest from Monday, June 30 until Wednesday, July 2, 2025, against the “blatant refusal of the FCT minister to address salient issues affecting staff.”

Speaking during the final protest, Iortyer disclosed that the union leaders met with members of management, but staged a walkout, noting the management’s refusal to address protesting workers who were gathered at the gate.

“Yesterday, we met with the management. Due to the fact that they did not come out to address you, distinguished colleagues, we walked out. We told them it is not just us alone; we are only leading you, and we are telling them what you have sent us to tell them. And if they cannot come out to talk to all of us who stayed in the rain, we are not listening to them.

“And believe me, every member of JUAC walked out on management. We told them that if they wanted us to listen to them, they should address us here today. Have they come? Did you see them? Are we stopping?” she said. Punch