The leadership of organised labour and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have reached a breakthrough agreement to end the ongoing dispute that had disrupted activities in the nation’s capital.
The resolution came after a marathon meeting convened by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Mohammed Bomoi, which lasted more than three hours.
Our correspondent, who attended the tense session, reports that the meeting began amid a heated exchange, with shouting from key participants, but calm was restored after Senator Bomoi intervened.
The discussions, which started shortly before midnight on Monday, concluded at about 3:50 a.m. on Tuesday. In attendance were Minister Wike, the Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, alongside the secretaries of both labour centres and other stakeholders.
Organised labour had earlier insisted on proceeding with a massive protest to press the demands of FCTA workers. Police authorities had urged the postponement of the action in the interest of public safety, while Wike had secured an interim court order restraining both the NLC and TUC from going ahead with the strike.
After the meeting, Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, said it was agreed that no worker would face victimisation arising from the strike. He confirmed that all pending cases at the National Industrial Court (NIC) would be withdrawn immediately.
“All affiliates are hereby informed that a conciliatory meeting was held between the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, at the instance of the Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi. At the conclusion of the meeting, all complaints presented by JUAC members were fully addressed, and the Honourable Minister assured organised labour of mutual respect and sustained engagement going forward,” Upah said.
He further announced that all FCT workers were directed to resume duties immediately. “Consequently, all JUAC members and all affiliates of the TUC and NLC working in the Ministry of the FCT (MFCT) are hereby directed to resume work immediately. All affiliates are enjoined to comply strictly with this directive in the interest of industrial peace and harmony, in good faith.”