Abuja was on edge Thursday as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) took its protest to the doorstep of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Workers from across the city, including teachers, health workers, and area council staff, gathered in force to demand immediate implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage.
By 9 a.m., the usually bustling Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) office was surrounded. Chants, placards, and anger filled the air as union leaders took turns speaking to the crowd. Security personnel watched, but there were no reports of violence. Protesters blocked all access to Wike’s office, effectively shutting down administrative activities for the day.
The core of the protest is simple: workers say they are fed up with delays, promises, and government excuses. According to the NLC, negotiations over wage increases have dragged on for months with no clear commitment from the FCT administration. Teachers spoke of going to school on empty stomachs. Health workers described the impossible task of providing care on salaries that don’t cover basic needs.
Wike was not in the building during the protest, but his aides assured the union that their grievances would be conveyed. That wasn’t enough to calm the crowd, who made it clear that more action will follow if results don’t come quickly.
This protest isn’t just about the minimum wage; it’s about respect. Workers say they’ve been ignored for too long and are now determined to be heard. The NLC has warned that if the demands aren’t met soon, they will extend the protest to include other sectors across the capital. For now, the FCT waits — and watches.
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