By BANNERNEWS Reporter
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned striking staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to return to work or face legal consequences, following a National Industrial Court ruling ordering an end to the industrial action that has paralysed services in Abuja for over a week.
Wike issued the warning on Tuesday while briefing journalists shortly after the court’s decision, insisting that the rule of law must prevail and accusing political actors of exploiting the strike for motives unrelated to workers’ welfare.
He said the FCTA approached the court after concluding that the strike had been “hijacked by politicians,” despite ongoing efforts by the administration to resolve the dispute through dialogue and by meeting many of the workers’ demands.
“The administration was already in the process of mediation when some politicians hijacked the strike,” Wike said, adding that several of the workers’ demands were “frivolous” or had already been addressed.
The minister highlighted that the FCTA had taken substantial steps to address staff concerns, including the recent approval of over ₦12 billion for the payment of January salaries, and the introduction of civil service reforms aimed at improving efficiency.
Wike also cited improved revenue performance under his leadership, noting that the FCT had generated more than ₦30 billion in internally generated revenue—a significant increase compared with previous years—and urged workers to acknowledge these reforms.
He dismissed claims circulating on social media that he had been forced out of his office during strike-related protests, saying he had merely stepped out to see President Bola Tinubu off at the airport. “I was never chased out of office,” he said.
Adopting a hardline stance, Wike warned that any further disruption of government operations, including attempts to lock government premises, would attract severe consequences, describing such actions as illegal and punishable.
He concluded by stressing that workers’ representatives had been engaged with management throughout the dispute and warned that those who fail to comply with the court order and resume duties would face legal action, signalling a tougher enforcement phase as the FCTA seeks to restore full public services in Abuja.
