Tension in Abuja as Striking Workers Confront Wike’s Convoy Over Unpaid Entitlements

Abuja witnessed a dramatic escalation in labour tensions on Monday as striking workers protesting unresolved welfare issues confronted and chased the motorcade of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, amid an ongoing indefinite strike.

The incident occurred during a protest by aggrieved workers demanding the payment of outstanding salaries and allowances, as well as the removal of the FCT minister. Videos circulating online showed protesters running after a vehicle allegedly conveying Wike, chanting and gesturing angrily as they attempted to draw attention to their demands.

The confrontation came hours after the workers, backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), picketed the National Industrial Court in Abuja as part of their sustained industrial action. The demonstrators blocked the court’s entrance, accusing the FCT administration of ignoring their plight despite repeated appeals.

Placards displayed by the protesters carried strong messages such as “Wike must go!!”, “Abuja no be Rivers”, “Pay promotion arrears”, “Enough is Enough” and “No working tools”, reflecting deep frustration over what they described as prolonged neglect.

According to the workers, the strike was triggered by unresolved welfare concerns, including five months of unpaid salaries, accumulated promotion arrears, and deteriorating working conditions across FCT agencies. They insist that the situation has left many workers unable to meet basic living expenses.

The protest also unfolded against the backdrop of a legal battle between the FCT administration and the striking unions. Minister Wike had earlier approached the National Industrial Court, seeking an order restraining the unions from continuing with the strike action, arguing that it was disrupting governance in the nation’s capital.

Despite the court action, labour leaders say the strike will continue until their demands are addressed, warning that further protests may follow if the government fails to act swiftly.

As of Monday evening, neither the FCT Administration nor the minister had issued an official response to the confrontation, leaving uncertainty over how the standoff between the government and the workers will be resolved.