The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced plans to hold a peaceful solidarity rally on February 3 in support of workers of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) currently on strike under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
The planned rally was disclosed in a joint statement issued in Abuja and signed by the General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, and the Secretary General of the TUC, Nuhu Toro.
According to the statement, the rally is intended to show solidarity with JUAC, which is leading an indefinite industrial action by FCDA workers over the non-payment of their salaries.
The strike, which began on January 19, led to the shutdown of key administrative offices across the Federal Capital Territory, including the FCT Administration Secretariat and the FCDA headquarters.
Ultimatum & Demands
The labour centres explained that the action followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the management of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on January 7. The ultimatum demanded the resolution of what the unions described as long-standing labour and welfare-related grievances.
They noted that the failure of the authorities to address these demands left the workers with no alternative but to embark on the indefinite strike.
The NLC and TUC said the February 3 rally was aimed at reaffirming labour’s unity and collective resolve nationwide. “The rally is to reaffirm labour’s collective resolve that an injury to one worker remains an injury to all within the Nigerian labour movement,” the statement said.
The unions added that the action would send a strong message to the authorities, stressing that organised labour would resist intimidation and injustice against workers. They described the struggle of JUAC members as legitimate and vowed that it would not be compromised.
Non-negotiable Action
According to the statement, the action is non-negotiable and will be sustained until justice is achieved, with the labour centres pledging “total and unwavering” support for the striking workers.
The NLC and TUC urged JUAC members to remain resolute, courageous and united, assuring them of full backing from the wider labour movement. They also directed all affiliate unions and state councils to mobilise massively for the rally.
The unions warned that intimidation or repression would not weaken workers’ resolve, emphasising that the rally would be peaceful, lawful and carried out in compliance with all legal requirements. They disclosed that the protest would be directed at the FCDA.
Reiterating a long-standing position, the labour centres stressed that workers’ rights are not freely given but are won through sustained collective struggle.
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They further assured workers in the Federal Capital Territory that they would not be abandoned, pledging to stand with them until their demands are fully met.