Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to immediately resume duties, following a National Industrial Court ruling that brought an end to the industrial action.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike said the strike, which disrupted public services in the nation’s capital for over a week, had been overtaken by political interests and internal sabotage, rather than genuine labour concerns.
According to the minister, the FCTA initially engaged workers’ representatives in dialogue to address welfare-related issues but was forced to seek judicial intervention after discovering that the action was being exploited by politicians and some senior civil servants.
“The strike stopped being about workers’ welfare. It was hijacked,” Wike said, accusing unnamed political actors and top officials within the civil service of sustaining the disruption for ulterior motives.
He noted that the administration had already taken steps to address key concerns raised by workers, including salary payments and reforms aimed at improving civil service operations. Wike disclosed that over ₦12 billion had been approved for the payment of January salaries, stressing that the decision demonstrated the government’s commitment to staff welfare.
The minister also highlighted improved financial performance under his leadership, revealing that the FCT had generated more than ₦30 billion in Internally Generated Revenue, which he said provided room for reforms and infrastructure development.
Wike urged workers to acknowledge ongoing reforms, including the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission and investments in roads, public facilities and other infrastructure across the territory. He argued that inefficiency within the public service had contributed to underdevelopment, not only in the FCT but nationwide.
Addressing reports circulating on social media, Wike dismissed claims that protesters chased him out of his office during the strike. He described the reports as false, explaining that he had only stepped out to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu off at the airport on Monday.
“I was never chased out of my office,” he said.
Taking a firm stance, the minister warned against further attempts to disrupt government activities, particularly any move to lock government offices.
“Anyone who dares to lock the gates again will be made a scapegoat. The law must be obeyed,” he warned.
Wike further alleged that some senior civil servants, including certain directors, were actively encouraging the continuation of the strike but said the administration would not be deterred from enforcing the court order.
He emphasised that engagement between workers and the government did not require direct access to him, noting that workers’ representatives had been in continuous discussions with management throughout the dispute.
“Seeing me personally is not a right,” the minister said.
Wike concluded by warning that any worker who fails to comply with the court order and resume work would face legal consequences, as the FCTA moves to restore full public services in Abuja.