The Abuja chapter of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has issued a scathing condemnation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the chairmen of the six Area Councils for their persistent refusal to address the legitimate demands of striking workers in the territory.
In a detailed statement released by its Abuja coordinator, Adaramoye Michael Lenin, the organization expressed unwavering solidarity with primary school teachers, healthcare workers, and other council employees who have been engaged in an indefinite strike since March 24, 2025, to press for their rights.
The striking workers, represented by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), are demanding the full and immediate implementation of the new national minimum wage, as well as the prompt payment of outstanding salary arrears owed to them.
The industrial action was preceded by months of warning strikes, protests, and ultimatums issued by the unions, which accused the FCT authorities of failing to engage in constructive dialogue or honor previous agreements reached with the workers.
According to the CDWR, the ongoing strike has severely disrupted essential services across the Federal Capital Territory. Primary health centers, which serve as critical lifelines for healthcare in many communities, have been forced to shut down, leaving residents without access to vital medical services.
Similarly, public primary schools have remained closed, leaving thousands of pupils out of classrooms and roaming the streets, while administrative operations at the Area Council secretariats have come to a standstill.
“The closure of primary health centers means that communities are deprived of essential healthcare services, which many rely on for their survival,” Lenin stated.
“The prolonged closure of schools has also left countless students without access to education, exposing them to risks and undermining their future prospects.”
Lenin described the inaction of Wike and the six Area Council chairmen as “callous negligence” and a blatant disregard for the welfare of both workers and residents of the FCT. He further warned that the continued shutdown of healthcare facilities could precipitate a public health crisis in affected communities, while the closure of schools represents a grave threat to the education and safety of young learners.
“The refusal of the FCT administration to address these issues is nothing short of wickedness,” Lenin declared. “It demonstrates a complete lack of concern for the suffering of workers, who are struggling to survive in penury, and the broader population of Abuja, who are bearing the brunt of this avoidable crisis.”
The CDWR also accused the FCT administration of prioritizing extravagant projects that cater to the elite over the basic needs of workers and ordinary citizens.
The group specifically highlighted the recent allocation of N39 billion for the renovation of the International Conference Centre, which was controversially renamed after President Bola Tinubu.
The CDWR criticized the President for maintaining what it described as a “criminal silence” on the plight of FCT workers, despite the lavish expenditure on such projects. “It is outrageous that N39 billion can be spent on refurbishing a conference center while workers are denied their rightful wages and communities are left without essential services,” Lenin remarked.
“This is a clear case of misplaced priorities and a betrayal of the public trust.”
The group further challenged the claim by the Area Councils that they lack the financial resources to meet the workers’ demands.
Lenin pointed to the deplorable state of infrastructure in public schools and hospitals as evidence of gross neglect by the council chairmen, questioning how the substantial allocations received by the councils are being utilized. “The dilapidated condition of schools and health facilities speaks volumes about the mismanagement of funds by these administrators,” he said.
“Meanwhile, the Area Council chairmen and their associates are paid exorbitant salaries and allowances, while they claim there is no money to pay workers their due. This is a stark example of poverty for the workers and opulence for the chairmen.”
In a show of support for the striking workers, the CDWR endorsed a three-day mass protest scheduled to commence on Monday, June 23, 2025, and urged the FCT leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to mobilize broader union support to amplify the workers’ demands. The group also called on the national leadership of the NLC, NUT, NULGE, and NANNM to publicly back the struggle and lend their voices to the campaign.
“We salute the resilience of the workers who have sustained this strike since March 24, following numerous warning strikes and protests,” Lenin stated. “Their determination is commendable, and we fully support the planned mass protest. We urge the FCT NLC leadership to rally other unions to join this action and demonstrate solidarity with the striking workers.”
The CDWR emphasized that a united front among labor unions is essential to exert maximum pressure on the FCT administration and ensure that the workers’ demands are met. The group also demanded that the national leadership of the labor unions take a more active role in advocating for the FCT workers.
“The national leaders of NLC, NUT, NULGE, and NANNM must openly support this struggle and compel the Tinubu government and Area Council administrations to fully implement the new minimum wage and settle all outstanding arrears,” the statement read.
In conclusion, the CDWR reiterated its call for the FCT Minister and Area Council chairmen to prioritize the welfare of workers and residents by addressing the demands of the striking unions without further delay.
The group warned that the continued neglect of these issues could escalate the crisis, with far-reaching consequences for the social and economic fabric of the Federal Capital Territory.
“The government must act swiftly to resolve this impasse and restore essential services to the people of Abuja,” Lenin urged. “The workers’ demands are legitimate, and their struggle is a fight for justice and dignity for all.”
