Consequently, all JUAC members and all affiliates of the TUC and NLC working in the Ministry of the FCT are hereby directed to resume work immediately,” he said. He further urged strict compliance with the directive. “All affiliates are enjoined to comply strictly with this directive in the interest of industrial peace and harmony, in good faith,” he added.

 The leadership of organised labour and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have reached an agreement to end the dispute that recently paralysed activities in Abuja.

The breakthrough followed a lengthy conciliatory meeting convened by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi. The meeting, which stretched for more than three hours, began shortly before midnight and ended at about 3:50 a.m. on Tuesday.

Reports indicate that discussions opened on a heated note, with sharp exchanges among some participants. However, Senator Bomoi reportedly intervened, urging both sides to exercise restraint and commit to constructive dialogue. His mediation eventually helped calm tensions and paved the way for a consensus.

Those in attendance included Minister Wike; the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero; the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo; senior officials of both labour centres; and other key stakeholders.

Prior to the meeting, organised labour—under the umbrella of the NLC and TUC—had vowed to proceed with a mass protest to press home the demands of workers within the Federal Capital Territory Administration. The planned action had drawn concern from security agencies, with the FCT Police Command advising labour leaders to reconsider the timing in the interest of public safety. The minister had also secured an interim court order restraining the unions from embarking on the protest.

Speaking to journalists after the talks, the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, announced that a truce had been reached. He disclosed that it was agreed that no worker would suffer victimisation as a result of the industrial action. Upah added that all pending cases involving the dispute at the National Industrial Court would be withdrawn with immediate effect.

According to him, issues raised by members of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) were discussed exhaustively and addressed one after the other during the meeting. He further stated that the FCT minister gave assurances of mutual respect and continued engagement with organised labour going forward.

Following the resolution, labour leaders directed all workers in the FCT to return to their duty posts without delay. Upah urged all affiliates of the NLC and TUC to comply fully with the directive, stressing that it was issued in good faith to promote industrial peace and harmony.

With the agreement in place, normal activities are expected to resume across the Federal Capital Territory as both parties commit to dialogue and cooperation to prevent a recurrence of the crisis.