CDWR Condemns Wike, Supports Mass Protest as FCT Strike Paralyzes Schools, Clinics, and Council Services
The Abuja chapter of the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) has harshly criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the six Area Council Chairmen for their continued failure to address the legitimate demands of striking workers in the FCT.
The group also pledged full support for the ongoing industrial action and a mass protest aimed at forcing the government to implement the new national minimum wage and settle all outstanding arrears owed to workers.
In a statement released by CDWR Abuja Coordinator, Adaramoye Michael Lenin, the group expressed solidarity with the striking primary school teachers, healthcare workers, and other council staff under the umbrella of NUT, NULGE, and NANNM, who have been on indefinite strike since March 24, 2025.
CDWR described the situation as a “complete show of negligence and wickedness,” accusing Wike and the council chairmen of turning a blind eye while workers are pushed into poverty. They also condemned the federal government’s misplaced priorities—highlighting the recent ₦39 billion allocation for the renovation of the International Conference Centre, renamed after President Bola Tinubu, as proof of elite-focused spending while workers suffer.
“The government cannot claim to be broke,” the statement read. “If the councils were truly cash-strapped, why are the chairmen and their associates still drawing exorbitant salaries and allowances while denying workers their rightful earnings?”
The group also slammed President Tinubu for his silence on the matter and called on national leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), NUT, NULGE, and NANNM to rise in support of the FCT workers.
CDWR further backed the 3-day mass protest slated to begin on Monday, calling it a critical moment to intensify pressure on the authorities. They urged all unions in the FCT to mobilize in solidarity, emphasizing that only unified action can break the government’s silence and compel it to act.
“We salute the courage of the workers who have remained resolute since March 24. Their resilience reflects the growing frustration of Nigerians with a system that prioritizes luxury projects over human welfare,” Lenin said.
The group’s message was clear: pay the workers, implement the new wage, and stop the injustice. Until then, they warned, the mass actions will only grow louder.
