Return to Work or Face Sanctions — Wike Issues Stern Warning to FCTA Workers

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to return to their duty posts or risk legal consequences.

Wike issued the warning on Tuesday while briefing journalists shortly after the National Industrial Court ordered the suspension of the industrial action that has disrupted public services in Abuja for over a week.

He insisted that the rule of law must be upheld, the minister accused political actors of hijacking the strike for reasons unrelated to the welfare of workers.

According to him, the FCTA approached the court after it became clear that the strike had been “taken over by politicians,” despite ongoing efforts by the administration to resolve the issues through dialogue and by addressing a significant number of the workers’ demands. He added that mediation was already in progress before the situation escalated.

“The administration was already mediating when some politicians hijacked the strike,” Wike said, noting that several of the demands put forward by the workers were either unreasonable, frivolous or had already been addressed.

He maintained that the FCTA had made considerable efforts to meet workers’ concerns, including prompt payment of salaries and the introduction of reforms within the civil service.

Wike disclosed that over ₦12 billion had just been approved for the payment of January salaries to FCTA workers, describing the move as clear evidence of the administration’s commitment to staff welfare.

He also pointed to improved revenue performance as proof of ongoing reforms, stating that the FCT had generated more than ₦30 billion in internally generated revenue (IGR), a significant increase compared to previous years.

The minister urged workers to recognise reforms undertaken by the administration, including the establishment of the Civil Service Commission and investments in infrastructure across the territory.

He argued that inefficiencies within the public service had contributed to underdevelopment in the FCT and other states across the country.

“Workers are largely responsible for the lack of development in states, including the FCT,” he said.

Adopting a tougher stance, the minister warned against any further disruption of government activities, stating that attempts to lock government offices would attract severe sanctions.

“Anyone who dares to lock the gates again will be made a scapegoat, because the law must be obeyed,” Wike said.

He further alleged that some senior civil servants were complicit in sustaining the strike, claiming that certain directors were among those instigating the action. However, he said this would not deter the administration from what he described as doing the right thing.

Wike emphasised that engagement between workers and the government did not require direct access to him personally, noting that workers’ representatives had been in talks with management throughout the dispute.

“Seeing me in person is not a right,” he said.

He concluded by warning that any worker who fails to comply with the court order and resume duties from the following day would face legal action, as the FCTA moves to restore full public services in the nation’s capital.