The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Federal Capital Territory Council, has dissociated itself from the indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over its dispute with the FCT Administration. The council directed its affiliate unions and members to continue their normal duties, insisting it was not involved in the decision to embark on the industrial action.
The NLC FCT Council had directed public and private sector workers in the territory to begin an indefinite strike on October 7, following a dispute between the FCT Administration and the Nigeria Union of Teachers. The directive was contained in a communiqué dated October 6.
However, in a statement dated October 8, the TUC FCT Council Secretary, Sunday Joseph, said the council and its affiliates were not consulted before the strike was declared. He maintained that the TUC was not a party to the industrial action and would not be bound by a decision made without its participation.
The council instructed all affiliate unions and members to report for work as usual. It also warned that no member should be intimidated or forced to participate in any strike not authorised by the TUC FCT leadership.
The TUC further cautioned affiliate leaders against setting up enforcement committees unless the directive came from its own leadership. It urged members to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant while awaiting further guidance if circumstances changed.
Expressing concern about the welfare of teachers, workers and children in the FCT, the council called for disputes to be resolved through consultation and established industrial relations procedures. It warned that prolonged disruptions could affect children’s access to education and threaten their future.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers’ interests through peaceful engagement with relevant stakeholders. It maintained that dialogue and constructive negotiation remained the best ways to resolve the disagreement without disrupting essential activities across the territory.
