FCT Strike: What Else Do You Want? We’re Not Owing Workers A Dime – Wike’s Aide

In the midst of the ongoing industrial action that has paralyzed activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the spokesperson to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has come out swinging, insisting that the government owes no salaries to the striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Olayinka dismissed claims of unpaid salaries as a mere “mindset” among the workers. “There is this mindset that it’s because the government is owing salaries. No salary is being owed. The government is not owing staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) a dime in terms of salary,” he stated emphatically.

He clarified that the only pending payment is for January 2026, which is understandably not yet due as the month is still ongoing. Olayinka also addressed the workers’ demand for promotion arrears, revealing that Minister Wike had already approved N286.1 million for this purpose back in December 2025. “The minister has approved, and it’s at the treasury level — payment is being processed. What else do you want the minister to do?” he questioned, expressing frustration over the continued strike.

On allegations that Wike has refused to engage with the unions, Olayinka countered by highlighting multiple meetings facilitated by the minister’s representatives. “The minister did not give you an audience? He sent people led by the Head of Service to hold meetings — several meetings with the union leaders, the Head of Service, Chief of Staff to the minister, Permanent Secretary of Common Services, and the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission. Those are the people the minister sent, and you are saying the minister did not give you an audience. How else do you want him to give you one?” he added.

The strike, which kicked off on January 19, 2026, has brought Abuja to a standstill, affecting secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals. Workers cited unmet demands, including salary arrears, promotions, and other welfare issues. According to Wike, the administration has addressed 10 out of the 14 demands raised by the unions. “So what then is the issue?” he asked during a recent briefing. He further alleged that the action has been hijacked by politicians with ulterior motives, beyond genuine worker grievances.

In a dramatic turn, Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court on Tuesday ordered the suspension of the strike pending the hearing of an originating summons filed by Wike. The judge ruled that industrial actions must halt once a dispute is referred to the court. Following this, Wike approved over N12 billion for January salaries, a move he described as a demonstration of commitment to staff welfare. He warned that any worker failing to resume by Wednesday, January 28, would face disciplinary measures. “From tomorrow, if you do not come to work, we are going to apply the big stick,” Wike stated firmly.

However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have thrown their weight behind the workers, insisting the strike remains lawful and will continue despite the court order. In a joint statement, the unions accused Wike of intimidation and blackmail, vowing not to back down until all demands are met. “The strike is not driven by politics but by genuine welfare concerns,” an NLC official said. Reports from Abuja indicate a total shutdown, with schools and offices empty, as unions enforce the action and resist threats.

Wike, undeterred, maintained that his administration is open to reasonable dialogue but will not succumb to blackmail. “We have met with the unions, tabled their grievances, and addressed most. There is more to this than meets the eye,” he asserted.

As tensions escalate, residents of Abuja continue to bear the brunt, with essential services disrupted.