Organised labour unions and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have reached an agreement that has led to the immediate resumption of duties by workers affected by the recent industrial action in Abuja.
The resolution was communicated through a circular issued on Tuesday to all affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) operating within the FCT.
The circular was jointly signed by the Secretary-General of the TUC, Mr Nuhu Toro, and the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Mr Benson Upah.
According to the document, the breakthrough followed a marathon conciliatory meeting between labour leaders and the FCT minister, held at the instance of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi.
The meeting reportedly began at about 11:45 p.m. on Sunday and stretched into the early hours of Monday, ending around 3:51 a.m. after what labour described as extensive deliberations.
Organised labour noted that all grievances raised by members of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) were thoroughly discussed during the engagement.
The circular further stated that the FCT minister gave assurances of mutual respect and pledged sustained engagement with labour unions on workers’ issues within the FCT.
Both parties also agreed that no worker would face victimisation for taking part in the strike, while all pending cases before the National Industrial Court would be withdrawn with immediate effect.
Following the agreement, the NLC and TUC directed all affected workers to resume work without delay. The directive, according to the circular, applies to all affiliates of both labour centres under the FCT Administration.
Labour leaders urged members to comply strictly with the directive in the interest of industrial peace and harmony, describing the outcome of the talks as a demonstration of goodwill by all parties involved.
The workers had earlier embarked on the strike on January 19 over unresolved grievances, including welfare concerns and allegations of high-handedness.
