FCT Workers’ Strike Update: Wike Insists on Dialogue, Rejects Blackmail Tactics

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that he remains willing to engage in dialogue with workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who recently embarked on an industrial action.

Speaking on Tuesday, Wike made it clear that while he is open to discussions, attempts at blackmail or intimidation by the protesting workers will not succeed. According to him, dialogue must be genuine and free from coercive tactics.

This development follows a ruling by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja, which on the same Tuesday issued an interlocutory injunction in favour of the FCT Minister and the FCTA. The court order directed workers operating under the Joint Union Action Committee to immediately suspend the ongoing strike action.

Despite the court’s directive, some aggrieved workers who assembled on Tuesday maintained that they were no longer actively participating in the strike. However, they clarified that they would still remain in their homes rather than resume official duties.

Staff members of the Federal Capital Territory Administration continued to insist on staying away from work, even with the existing court order that instructed them to halt the industrial action and return to their posts.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Wike reiterated that the FCT Administration had always shown readiness to resolve disputes through discussion. He explained that meetings had previously taken place between union representatives and management, during which several concerns were raised and addressed.

According to the minister, assurances are often given during such engagements, suggesting that issues have been resolved. However, he noted that shortly after these meetings, contrary actions usually follow, leading to renewed tensions.

Wike emphasized that meaningful dialogue remains possible if the workers genuinely acknowledge developments and are prepared for honest engagement. He warned, however, that he would not yield to pressure rooted in blackmail or threats.

In his words, he stressed that intimidation would not influence his position, adding that even the involvement of additional civil servants would not alter his stance, as such actions fall outside his concern.