FCT Workers Reject January Timeline for Minimum Wage Implementation, Strike Continues

The strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has reached its 11th day as negotiations between the labour unions and Area Council Chairmen remain unresolved. At the center of the dispute is the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, with the unions rejecting a proposed January 2025 start date and insisting on a December 2024 commencement.

Speaking on Tuesday, Abdullahi Kabir, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees in the FCT, confirmed ongoing discussions with Area Council Chairmen. “The Council Chairmen are appealing to the union to delay implementation until January, but we are demanding it begin in December,” Kabir said. He explained that starting in December would reduce wage arrears to four months, compared to five months if delayed until January.

The labour unions also raised concerns about other unresolved issues, including discrepancies in allowances for local government workers compared to Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) staff, delays in implementing the 25% CONHESS and CONMESS allowances, and the non-payment of wage awards.

“It is not only the minimum wage issue we are addressing. Local government workers have not received peculiar allowances that FCTA staff get. We face the same economic realities—shop in the same markets, pay the same rents. Yet, allowances like the 25% CONHESS, CONMESS, and wage awards remain unpaid,” Kabir added.

He emphasized the unique governance structure of the FCT, noting that the FCT Minister serves as a proxy for President Bola Tinubu, who acts as the de facto Governor of the territory. “The FCT is different from other states. President Bola Tinubu is the President of the FCT. As such, we should benefit equally,” he said.

Kabir stressed that the strike would continue until the NLC issued a formal directive to end it. “The strike remains in force until the NLC provides an agreement or a memorandum of understanding,” he stated.

Efforts to reach Stephen Knabayi, the FCT Council Chairman of the NLC, for comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages at the time of reporting.