By Muhammad Mamman
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed the ongoing strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), declaring that the industrial action is not his concern.
Speaking bluntly on the dispute, Mr Wike said the striking workers were free to take whatever steps they deemed necessary, insisting that their action would not distract him from carrying out his responsibilities. “If you like, go and hire all the civil servants in the whole world; take over Abuja… it’s not my business,” the minister said.
The strike, which has disrupted activities across several FCTA departments, is reportedly linked to workers’ demands over welfare issues, including unpaid allowances and other entitlements. Labour unions involved in the action say their members have been left with no choice after repeated appeals to the authorities allegedly yielded no results.
However, Mr Wike maintained that the administration would not be pressured into making decisions under duress, stressing that governance in the nation’s capital must continue uninterrupted. He added that the FCT authorities were guided by due process and existing financial regulations in addressing workers’ concerns.
The minister’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with some residents criticising his tone as dismissive, while others argue that strikes have become overused as a bargaining tool in the public sector.
As the standoff continues, Abuja residents and businesses are bracing for further disruptions, even as labour leaders insist that the strike will persist until their demands are addressed.
