Strike Unnecessary, 10 Of 14 Demands Already Met” – Wike’s Aide Tells FCT Workers

According to Ireporter Online, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, has stated that the majority of workers’ demands in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have already been addressed.

Olayinka made the statement on Monday following disruptions in government activities across the FCT due to an industrial action by members of the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC). He revealed that ten out of fourteen demands raised by the striking workers have been met, with the remaining four currently under review.

He emphasized that Minister Nyesom Wike remains committed to addressing the workers’ concerns, noting that during a meeting with JUAC leaders on Friday, January 16, the demands and the Minister’s interventions were fully discussed. Olayinka also highlighted that several follow-up meetings were held over the weekend to appeal to union officials, stressing that the unresolved issues were not significant enough to justify a strike.

Olayinka further urged that dialogue should continue as the preferred method for resolving staff welfare matters in the FCTA. He described the ongoing strike as unnecessary and ill-motivated, and called on security agencies to ensure that workers who are not participating in the strike can access their offices and perform their duties without obstruction.

He pointed out that some unions, such as the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, have dissociated themselves from the strike. Additionally, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA) had written to the Minister appreciating his leadership, citing payments of the 13-month hazard allowance arrears and a one-month wage award as evidence of his commitment to healthcare workers’ welfare.

Olayinka outlined specific actions taken by the administration, including commencement of the five-month wage award payments, full payment of 13 months hazard allowance and 22 months rural allowance for health workers, and the processing of 2023 and 2024 promotion arrears totaling over N286 million. Other concerns, such as staff training, National Housing Fund (NHF) and pension contributions, promotion examination processes, and overstay of overseeing directors, have also been addressed or are under active resolution.

He concluded that, considering the efforts already made by the Minister and the FCTA management to meet the workers’ demands, the strike is unnecessary and appears aimed at objectives beyond staff welfare.