Strike: Tension In Abuja As Workers Confront Wike’s Convoy

• Workers chant anti-Wike slogans

By PHC Telegraph

Abuja witnessed heightened tension on Monday as striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) confronted the convoy of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, during an indefinite industrial action over welfare and pay-related grievances.

Videos aired by News Central TV and other outlets showed groups of protesting workers rushing towards the minister’s motorcade in the Central Area of the capital, chanting slogans and expressing anger over what they described as prolonged neglect of their demands.

Security operatives swiftly intervened, and the convoy moved on without reported injuries or damage.

The incident occurred amid a shutdown of several FCTA offices following the declaration of an indefinite strike by unions representing FCTA and Federal Capital Development Authority workers. The unions are demanding the payment of outstanding allowances, promotions, wage adjustments and improved welfare conditions.

In response, officials of the FCTA said negotiations had not broken down. The minister’s aides maintained that a majority of the workers’ demands—10 out of 14, according to the administration—had already been addressed, with discussions ongoing on the remaining issues.

The FCTA also approached the National Industrial Court, seeking orders to restrain what it described as unlawful picketing and disruption of government activities.

Labour leaders, however, rejected the government’s claims, insisting that key demands remained unresolved and accusing the authorities of resorting to legal pressure instead of meaningful engagement.

The confrontation has underscored growing strain in labour–government relations in the federal capital, raising concerns about public order and service delivery as both sides hold firm positions, even as calls mount for renewed dialogue to avert further escalation.