The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have announced plans to hold a peaceful solidarity rally on Feb. 3 in support of the Joint Union Action Committee and striking workers of the Federal Capital Development Authority.
The decision was disclosed in a joint statement issued in Abuja and signed by the NLC General Secretary, Benson Upah, and his TUC counterpart, Nuhu Toro. The rally is intended to back FCDA workers who began an indefinite strike on Jan. 19 over unpaid salaries and other welfare concerns.
The industrial action has led to the closure of major administrative facilities, including the FCTA Secretariat and offices of the development authority. The strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued on Jan. 7, during which workers demanded that management address long-standing grievances.
According to the labour centres, the rally is meant to reinforce the principle of collective defence within the workforce, stressing that harm to any worker concerns the entire labour movement. They said the demonstration would signal labour’s readiness to confront intimidation and unfair treatment of employees.
The unions described the strike as justified and insisted it would continue until the workers’ demands are met. They pledged full and unwavering backing for JUAC members and encouraged them to remain united and resolute in asserting their rights.
They further explained that the rally would serve as a peaceful protest against perceived injustice and would be directed at the FCDA. The NLC and TUC emphasised that the gathering would be lawful and orderly.
Affiliates and state councils were instructed to mobilise members in large numbers, with the unions warning that threats or pressure would not break workers’ determination. They reiterated that labour victories historically stem from organised struggle, assuring employees in the Federal Capital Territory that they would continue to receive support.
