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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday shut down the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in protest against the federal government’s failure to implement the N70,000 minimum wage for Area Council workers, teachers, and health personnel.
Hundreds of placard-carrying workers marched peacefully from Labour House to the Minister’s office in Area 11, chanting anti-government slogans to press home their demands.
Tensions heightened when armed police officers locked the main gate, barring protesters from entering the premises. Undeterred, the union leaders insisted that Minister Wike must personally address their grievances, vowing to block movement in and out of the premises until he did so.
An attempt by Mandate Secretary Lawrence Garki to address the crowd was rejected, as protesters shouted at him.
The union is also demanding the removal or resignation of the six FCT Area Council Chairmen, whom they accuse of neglecting workers’ welfare.
Efforts to reach Kwali Area Council Chairman Danladi Chiya, who serves as FCT ALGON Chairman, were unsuccessful, as he declined to respond to calls or messages.
Other council chairmen also refused to comment, referring inquiries back to Chiya.
In other news, The organised labour has warned that it may be forced to take decisive action that could disrupt national economic activities if the state of emergency declared in Rivers State is not reversed within a reasonable timeframe.
The threat was issued in a statement jointly signed by the Rivers State chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Alex Agwanwor, state chairperson of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Ikechukwu Onyefuru and chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council, JNC, Chuku Emecheta.
The labour unions raised concerns about the legality, economic impact and consequences of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
