![Hon. Festus Keyamo SAN arrives MMIA past 11:50 p.m. Feb 23 to lead oversight of Terminal 1 fire. Joined FAAN MD & team actively managing situation. Directed morning inspection Tuesday to guide restoration & confirm safety standards. Reaffirmed focus on passenger safety. Story: [link] #KeyamoMMIA #FireIncident #FAAN](https://fullcliphq.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mym-150x150.jpg "MMIA Fire: Keyamo Inspects Lagos Airport After Terminal 1 Blaze Disrupts Flights")
Protesters pursued the convoy of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike on Monday as an indefinite strike by FCTA workers entered its seventh day, crippling public services and escalating tensions in Nigeria’s capital.
The incident unfolded near key government areas where demonstrators blocked roads and chanted “Wike must go.” Teachers joined the strike the same day, forcing widespread school closures and deepening the disruption.
Why Are Workers on Strike?
The industrial action began on January 19, 2026, after the FCT chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared an indefinite strike over:
- Unpaid promotion arrears
- Withheld allowances
- Pension-related issues
- Other welfare demands
Union leaders insist four major demands remain unresolved despite earlier negotiations. The FCTA administration counters that 10 of 14 issues have been addressed and has filed a lawsuit at the National Industrial Court seeking an injunction to declare the strike illegal. The court adjourned the hearing to January 27, allowing the strike to continue.
Impact on Abuja
- Schools under FCTA jurisdiction shut down Friday after teachers joined the action.
- Health centres, administrative offices, and municipal services—including waste collection and road maintenance—have slowed or halted.
- Residents report mounting frustration as essential services remain paralysed.
The chase of Wike’s convoy underscores growing anger among workers and residents over perceived delays in resolving long-standing grievances. Wike, who has faced criticism since assuming the FCT ministerial role, is accused by some labour leaders of prioritising politics over welfare.
Official Responses
- FCTA insists most demands have been met and labels the strike “politically motivated.”
- Labour leaders argue key arrears and allowances dating back years remain unpaid, affecting thousands of workers.
- The Federal Government has yet to issue a direct intervention statement, though the Ministry of Labour has been involved in prior talks.
With schools closed and public services strained, pressure is mounting for a negotiated resolution before the court ruling on January 27.
