The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have announced plans to hold a peaceful solidarity rally on February 3 in support of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
The decision was disclosed in a joint statement issued in Abuja and signed by the NLC General Secretary, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro.
According to the unions, the rally is intended to show solidarity with workers of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), who are currently on strike under the leadership of JUAC over unpaid salaries.
JUAC-affiliated workers began an indefinite industrial action on January 19, leading to the shutdown of major administrative offices, including the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat and the FCDA headquarters.
The strike followed the lapse of a seven-day ultimatum issued on January 7, during which the workers demanded that the FCTA management resolve persistent labour-related and welfare issues.
The labour centres said the planned rally is meant to reaffirm the core principle of the Nigerian labour movement that injustice against one worker amounts to injustice against all.
“The action will send a clear message that labour will resist all forms of intimidation and injustice against workers,” the statement read.
The unions described the ongoing struggle as legitimate and non-negotiable, stressing that it would continue until fairness and justice are secured.
They further declared their backing for JUAC members as complete and unwavering, assuring workers that they would not be left to fight alone.
JUAC members were urged to remain firm, bold, and united in defending their rights, despite any pressure or intimidation.
The NLC and TUC explained that the rally is designed to demonstrate collective opposition to injustice and unfair labour practices.
They added that the peaceful protest would be directed at the Federal Capital Development Authority, while emphasizing that the action would remain lawful and orderly.
All affiliate unions and state councils were instructed to mobilise their members in large numbers for the rally, with the labour centres warning that threats or repression would not diminish workers’ determination.
Reiterating a long-standing labour position, the unions stated that workers’ rights are not freely granted but are secured through sustained collective struggle.
They also reassured workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that organised labour remains firmly committed to defending their interests and welfare.
What you should know
FCDA workers began an indefinite strike in January over unpaid salaries and unresolved welfare concerns, effectively shutting down key administrative offices in the FCT.
The planned February 3 rally by the NLC and TUC signals escalating labour pressure on the FCTA and FCDA management.
Organised labour says the action is peaceful, lawful, and aimed at reinforcing unity within the labour movement while demanding justice for affected workers.
