The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, successfully mediated a late-night truce with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), bringing an end to the strike that disrupted key services in parts of Abuja.
Workers have been directed to resume duties immediately following the agreement.
The breakthrough was reached around 3:50 a.m. on Tuesday, after over three hours of intensive negotiations chaired by the Senate Committee on the FCT, led by Senator Mohammed Bomoi.
The meeting, which began just before midnight, included Wike, NLC President Joe Ajaero, TUC President Festus Osifo, their respective secretaries, and other key stakeholders.
Organized labour had insisted on proceeding with the strike on Monday to press their demands, despite warnings from FCT police authorities who urged the unions to postpone the protest for public safety reasons.
In addition, Minister Wike had obtained an interim court order restraining the NLC and TUC from embarking on the strike.
Following the meeting, a joint statement signed by NLC and TUC outlined the agreements reached: No worker will slyace victimization arising from the strike action. All outstanding cases at the National Industrial Court (NIC) will be withdrawn immediately.
Complaints from JUAC members were addressed comprehensively, with assurances from Wike on mutual respect and continued engagement.
READ ALSO: Wike to striking FCT workers: We’re open to dialogue, not blackmail
Workers in all FCT ministries, agencies, and departments are directed to resume work immediately.
The General Secretary of the TUC, Nuhu Toro, alongside other labour leaders, confirmed the resolutions, urging all affiliates to comply “in the interest of industrial peace and harmony, in good faith.”
Experts say the swift resolution reflects the importance of dialogue and coordination between government and labour unions in averting industrial disruption. Dr. Chidi Okoye, a labour relations specialist, noted:
“Minister Wike’s intervention shows how proactive mediation can prevent protracted strikes. The assurances on non-victimization and court case withdrawals are crucial for restoring trust and industrial harmony.”
Political analyst Amina Bello added that the resolution could strengthen investor confidence in the FCT, as prolonged strikes have historically impacted government operations, services, and business activity.
With the truce, FCT workers have now returned to their posts, signaling a return to normalcy in the federal capital and highlighting the effectiveness of early intervention, negotiation, and legal measures in managing industrial disputes.