Tension is growing in Abuja as workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration continue to demand the removal of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress, the workers have staged protests at offices and court premises over unpaid salaries and poor welfare conditions.
How the Dispute Began
The problem started when FCTA workers began an indefinite strike on January 19, 2026. They said the government failed to meet important demands affecting their welfare.
These include five months of unpaid salaries, unpaid promotion arrears for 2023 and 2024, unpaid pension and National Housing Fund contributions, poor working conditions, and lack of basic tools needed for their jobs.
The strike was organised by the Joint Unions Action Committee and led to the closure of many government offices in Abuja. This disrupted public services and drew attention across the country.
The Nigeria Labour Congress supported the workers and described the strike as justified. During protests, workers carried placards with messages such as “Wike must go,” “Enough is enough,” and “Pay promotion arrears.” Some protesters accused Wike of ruling Abuja the same way he ruled Rivers State when he was governor.
In response, Wike and the FCTA went to court, asking that the strike be stopped. A case was filed against union leaders at the National Industrial Court.
The FCTA also claimed that most of the workers’ demands had already been met and that the remaining ones were being handled.
Tension increased on January 26 when workers protested at the National Industrial Court and later at the FCTA Secretariat. Videos online showed protesters chasing what looked like Wike’s convoy while shouting insults.
Wike’s aide later explained that the minister only used another exit to avoid trouble and was heading to the airport at the time.
Current Situation
On January 27, 2026, the National Industrial Court ordered FCTA workers to stop the strike and return to work immediately. The judge said it was wrong to continue the strike while the case is still before the court. The matter was postponed until March 23, 2026, for further hearing.
After the court order, Wike warned workers to obey the ruling or face punishment. He said the government is open to talks but will not allow actions that disrupt activities in Abuja.
Union leaders, however, insist that their major demands must be fully resolved, even though the court order now limits their options.
On the question of whether Wike will be removed from office, there is no sign of that happening soon. Only the president has the power to remove a minister, and President Bola Tinubu has not indicated any plan to do so. Despite calls for his removal, Wike is believed to enjoy strong political support.
Public opinion is divided. Some people praise Wike for development projects in the FCT, while others criticise his handling of workers’ issues. For now, his removal appears unlikely unless there is a major political change.
Attention is now on whether workers will obey the court order and how talks between both sides will progress.
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