Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
  • Loading stock data...

FCT Labour Strike Enters Day 11 Over Minimum Wage Dispute

Nigeria Labour Congress-led strike in the FCT continues as unions and Area Council Chairmen clash over the timeline for implementing the N70,000 minimum wage.
FCT labour Strike

The ongoing strike spearheaded by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has stretched into its 11th day. The dispute centers on the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, with negotiations between the labour unions and Area Council Chairmen reaching an impasse.

Speaking on Tuesday, Abdullahi Kabir, FCT Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), disclosed that Area Council Chairmen proposed a January 2025 implementation date. This proposal was rejected by the unions, which demand the new wage commence in December 2024.

“If they implement it in January, then the arrears will have been five months. But if they implement it in December, the arrears will be four months,” Kabir explained.

In addition to the minimum wage, Kabir highlighted several unresolved issues affecting local government workers in the FCT:

  1. Peculiar Allowances: Unlike their counterparts in the FCT Administration (FCTA), local government workers have yet to receive peculiar allowances.
  2. CONHESS and CONMESS Adjustments: The unions demand the implementation of the 25% Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
  3. Wage Awards: Other wage adjustments and awards promised to workers remain unfulfilled.

Kabir also pointed out the unique governance structure of the FCT, emphasizing that the FCT Minister acts on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, who serves as the de facto Governor of the FCT.

“The FCT is different from other states. The FCT Minister is standing in for President Bola Tinubu as the Governor. We are supposed to benefit from all these things,” Kabir stated.

Kabir reiterated that the strike would persist until the NLC issued a counter-directive, signaling an agreement or resolution.

“The strike has not ended until the NLC calls us and says this is the MoU or the agreement,” he affirmed.

Efforts to reach the FCT NLC Council Chairman, Stephen Knabayi, for further comments were unsuccessful. However, ongoing discussions with the Area Council Chairmen remain inconclusive.

Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business NewsSports updates And Entertainment Gists.

Trending

Scroll to Top