The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged striking staff of the FCT Administration to return to work immediately or risk legal consequences, following a National Industrial Court ruling that ordered an end to the industrial action disrupting public services in Abuja for over a week.
Wike made the statement on Tuesday while briefing journalists shortly after the court’s decision, stressing that the rule of law must prevail. He also accused some political actors of exploiting the strike for purposes unrelated to workers’ welfare.
“The administration was already in the process of mediation when some politicians hijacked the strike,” Wike said, adding that several of the workers’ demands were “frivolous,” unreasonable, or had already been addressed.
He explained that the FCTA approached the court after determining that the strike had been “hijacked by politicians,” despite ongoing dialogue and efforts to meet a substantial number of staff requests.
The minister highlighted the administration’s efforts to support staff welfare, including salary payments and civil service reforms. He disclosed that over N12 billion has been approved for the payment of January salaries to FCTA workers, describing the move as evidence of the government’s commitment to its workforce.
Wike also pointed to improved revenue performance under his leadership, noting that the FCT generated over N30 billion in internally generated revenue—a significant increase compared to previous years.
He urged workers to recognise reforms implemented by the administration, including the establishment of the Civil Service Commission and investments in infrastructure across the territory. “Workers are largely responsible for the lack of development in states, including the FCT,” he added.
Addressing reports on social media suggesting he had been forced out of his office during the strike, Wike said, “I was never chased out of the office,” explaining that he had only stepped out to see President Bola Tinubu off at the airport.
Adopting a firm stance, Wike warned against further disruptions of government operations. “Anyone who dares to lock the gates again will be made a scapegoat, because the law must be obeyed,” he said.
The minister also alleged that some senior civil service officials had sustained the strike, claiming that certain directors were instigating the action. He insisted this would not prevent the administration from taking the appropriate course of action.
Wike emphasised that engagement between workers and management did not require direct access to him personally. “Seeing me in person is not a right,” he said, noting that workers’ representatives had been in continuous discussions with FCTA management throughout the dispute.
The warning comes as the FCTA seeks to restore full public services in the nation’s capital. The striking staff, operating under the Joint Union Action Committee, began an indefinite strike on January 19 over unresolved welfare concerns.
The National Industrial Court, responding to an application by the FCT Minister, issued an interlocutory injunction halting the strike on January 21. The court adjourned the case seeking to compel workers to resume duties to Tuesday, January 27.
