IBY
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
Tensions boiled over in Nigeria’s capital on Thursday as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) staged a massive protest, shutting down the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the refusal to implement a proposed N70,000 minimum wage.
The demonstration began at Labour House and swelled as scores of workers including teachers, health professionals, and Area Council staff marched through the streets to the minister’s office at Area 11. Chanting slogans and wielding placards, the crowd demanded immediate action from the FCT administration.
On arrival, protesters were met by locked gates and a heavy police presence, with officers barring access to the premises. Undeterred, the workers occupied the surrounding grounds, effectively halting all official activities.
“We want Wike to come out himself!” protesters chanted, rejecting an attempt by Mandate Secretary Lawrence Garki to address them. Garki’s words were drowned out by jeers of “thi£f! thi£f!” as tensions heightened.
The NLC is demanding the full implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage for local council workers, citing rising inflation and the economic hardships faced by public sector employees. The union also called for the immediate removal of all six Area Council Chairmen, accusing them of gross negligence and failing to prioritize staff welfare.
As of Thursday evening, the minister had not made a public appearance or issued an official response, while demonstrators vowed to continue the occupation until their demands are met.
The standoff signals escalating labour unrest in the FCT, with wider implications for public service delivery if a resolution is not swiftly reached.
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