The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has announced its intention to shut down the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) immediately after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s project inaugurations scheduled for July 3, 2025. This action comes in response to ongoing wage disputes and unpaid allowances affecting area council workers.

Dr. Stephen Knabayi, Chairman of the NLC FCT Chapter, revealed the decision during a media briefing in Abuja. He stated that the planned protest is a last resort to compel the FCT Administration to address the unresolved issues impacting council staff across the six area councils.

Initially, the protest was postponed out of respect for President Tinubu’s activities marking his second year in office. However, Knabayi emphasized that the union can no longer overlook the non-payment of critical entitlements, which include the full implementation of the national minimum wage, a 40% peculiar allowance, the N35,000 wage award, and 25% and 35% salary increases.

He noted that the N70,000 minimum wage briefly paid in May was suspended in June without explanation, intensifying frustration among council workers already on strike.

The NLC had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration on June 13, which expired on June 20 without resolution. Knabayi confirmed that security agencies and relevant authorities have been informed of the impending protest.

“The shutdown is to send a clear message that Abuja workers cannot be treated with disregard,” he stated. “The government must act or face a total shutdown of operations in the FCT.”

Should their demands remain unmet, the labour action is expected to disrupt both administrative and commercial activities across the territory.