The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has rejected a proposal by Area Council Chairmen to begin paying the N70,000 minimum wage in January 2025.
The union insists on a December 2024 start date, citing concerns over the accumulation of arrears.
The strike by FCT workers, which began over unresolved disputes with local council leaders, has now stretched into its 11th day.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Abdullahi Kabir, the FCT Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), confirmed the disagreement.
He revealed that while the council chairmen appealed for a January 2025 implementation, unions argued for December to reduce arrears from five months to four.
“There’s an ongoing discussion with the chairmen. They want implementation delayed until January, but we are firm on December.
“If delayed, workers face five months of arrears; a December start limits it to four,” Kabir explained.
Beyond the minimum wage, Kabir highlighted other grievances, including the absence of specific allowances for local government employees compared to their counterparts in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
He also criticized delays in implementing the 25% CONHESS and CONMESS allowances, as well as wage awards.
Kabir stressed the unique governance structure of the FCT, where the Minister acts on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, serving as the territory’s de facto governor.
This, he argued, entitles FCT workers to full benefits akin to federal employees.
The labour unions have vowed to continue the strike until a clear directive is issued by the NLC or a mutually acceptable agreement is reached.
“The strike persists until we receive official communication from the NLC regarding an agreement or Memorandum of Understanding,” Kabir concluded.
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