As talks continue over workers’ demands, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has urged striking workers to return to work and allow the legal process to run its course.
The minister’s comments come amid ongoing industrial action by workers under the Joint Union Action Committee, who resumed their strike after filing an appeal against a ruling of the National Industrial Court. The court had earlier ordered the workers to suspend the strike, with the matter adjourned until March 23.
Speaking in Abuja while handing over twelve new ambulances to public hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory, Wike stressed that filing an appeal does not automatically invalidate a court order. He warned that failure to comply could amount to contempt of court.
Wike said the FCT Administration remains open to dialogue and has already addressed many of the issues raised by the workers. According to him, not all demands can be resolved at once, but progress has been made on several fronts.
He cautioned against turning labour disputes into political confrontations, saying the government would not tolerate actions aimed at undermining the administration under the guise of industrial action.
The minister assured workers that challenges facing the FCT Administration are being tackled gradually, noting that governance requires patience and continuity.
Wike also highlighted reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including expanded career progression for FCT civil servants and the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission, describing them as steps toward improving workers’ welfare and strengthening public service delivery.
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