FCT NULGE calls off three-month strike after Wike’s intervention

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has suspended its three-month industrial action following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, REPUBLICAN NIGERIA reports.

The union made the announcement in a statement jointly signed by its President, Ibrahim Kabir, and Secretary, Andulmumini Sa’ad, on Monday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the decision to suspend the strike takes effect from midnight on Monday after extensive deliberations by the State Executive Council (SEC).

The union explained that the strike was called off after Minister Wike directed that 10 percent of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from area councils be used to pay workers’ three-month salary arrears.

NULGE also revealed that it would work with a special committee set up by the minister to reconcile all outstanding arrears within two weeks. This move is aimed at achieving a comprehensive resolution through collaboration with the House of Representatives Committee on FCT and Ancillary Matters.

The union emphasized its readiness to engage with area council chairmen to resolve the remaining issues.

“NULGE remains committed to maintaining industrial peace and harmony across the FCT,” the statement read.

The union expressed its gratitude to Minister Wike, the FCT Traditional Council, and other stakeholders for their roles in resolving the crisis.

However, it noted that several demands are still pending. These include the payment of a 40 percent peculiar allowance from January 2023, salary adjustments of 25 and 35 percent from June 2023, a six-month N35,000 wage award from August 2024, unremitted pension deductions, promotion arrears, and other outstanding entitlements.

NULGE assured members that it would continue dialogue with the authorities to ensure all pending issues are resolved promptly.