The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have announced plans to hold a peaceful solidarity rally on February 3 in support of the Joint Union Action Committee and striking workers of the Federal Capital Development Authority.
The planned rally was disclosed in a joint statement issued in Abuja and signed by the General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, and the Secretary General of the TUC, Nuhu Toro.
According to the statement, the action is intended to show solidarity with workers under the Joint Union Action Committee who are currently on strike over unpaid salaries and unresolved welfare issues.
Workers under JUAC began an indefinite strike on January 19 following prolonged disputes with management over salary arrears and other labour-related concerns.
The strike has led to the shutdown of several key administrative offices in the Federal Capital Territory, including the FCT Administration Secretariat and the offices of the FCDA.
The unions explained that the industrial action followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum earlier issued to the management of the FCT Administration.
The ultimatum, which was issued on January 7, demanded that authorities urgently address long-standing labour grievances affecting FCDA workers.
According to the unions, the management failed to meet the demands within the stipulated timeframe, leaving workers with no option but to embark on a strike.
The NLC and TUC said the planned rally was aimed at reaffirming labour’s long-held principle that an injury to one worker is an injury to all.
They described the situation faced by FCDA workers as a clear case of injustice that required collective action from the broader labour movement.
In the statement, the unions said the solidarity rally would send a strong message that organised labour would resist intimidation and unfair treatment of workers.
They stressed that the struggle of JUAC members was legitimate and non-negotiable.
The labour centres said the action would be sustained until justice was achieved for the affected workers.
They added that their support for JUAC members remained total and unwavering.
The unions urged striking workers to remain courageous, steadfast and united as they continued to press for the fulfilment of their demands.
They emphasised that unity among workers was critical to achieving meaningful and lasting results.
According to the statement, the February 3 rally is expected to demonstrate collective resistance against injustice within the workplace.
The NLC and TUC said the action would be peaceful, lawful and well-coordinated.
They explained that the rally would be directed at the Federal Capital Development Authority, which they identified as the focal point of the dispute.
The unions reassured authorities and the public that the rally would be conducted in line with the law and without disruption to public peace.
They directed all affiliates of both labour centres, as well as state councils, to mobilise members massively for the rally.
According to them, strong participation would underline the seriousness of labour’s demands and its commitment to protecting workers’ rights.
The unions also warned that intimidation or repression would not weaken the resolve of Nigerian workers.
They reiterated that workers’ rights are not given freely but are won through collective struggle and sustained advocacy.
The statement noted that organised labour had a long history of defending workers against exploitation and neglect.
The NLC and TUC said abandoning JUAC members at such a critical moment would undermine the principles of solidarity that define the labour movement.
They assured workers in the Federal Capital Territory that they would not be left to face the situation alone.
The labour centres said they remained committed to ensuring that outstanding salaries and welfare issues were fully resolved.
They described the ongoing strike as a reflection of deeper structural problems in labour relations within the FCT Administration.
According to the unions, failure to address workers’ grievances promptly could further erode trust between employees and management.
They called on the relevant authorities to act responsibly and engage constructively with workers’ representatives.
The unions stressed that dialogue remained the preferred option but insisted that workers would not be forced to accept injustice.
They said the solidarity rally was also intended to draw national attention to the plight of FCDA workers.
The NLC and TUC expressed confidence that sustained pressure would lead to a positive outcome.
They urged the authorities to see the rally as an opportunity to resolve the dispute rather than escalate tensions.
The statement concluded with a renewed pledge by organised labour to continue defending the rights and welfare of workers across the country.
The rally, according to the unions, marks another chapter in the ongoing struggle to ensure dignity, fairness and justice for Nigerian workers.
