Tension in Abuja as Striking Workers Pursue Minister Wike’s Convoy
Abuja, Nigeria — There was tension in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday as striking workers angrily chased the motorcade of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, during a protest that escalated outside the FCT Administration Secretariat in Abuja.
The workers, who are part of an ongoing industrial action affecting the FCTA and FCDA, gathered in large numbers to demand improved welfare, payment of arrears, and better working conditions. What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly intensified when the minister’s convoy attempted to drive through the protest area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the workers, already infuriated by what they described as prolonged neglect of their grievances, surged toward the motorcade, shouting and waving placards. Some protesters ran after the moving vehicles, forcing security personnel to intervene.
Security operatives guarding the minister acted swiftly, creating a human shield and clearing a path for the convoy. Despite the agitation, no physical confrontation between protesters and security officers was recorded.
The workers accused the FCTA leadership of failing to address long-standing issues, including unpaid allowances and stalled promotions. They also complained that multiple meetings with management had ended without concrete solutions.
One of the protesting workers said, “We have families. We have responsibilities. The government cannot expect us to keep working under these conditions. We are tired of empty promises.”
Another protester described the minister’s appearance during the strike as “provocative,” claiming that the workers felt ignored until the motorcade appeared.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who has faced increasing tension with labour unions since the strike began, has not publicly commented on the latest incident. However, sources inside the FCTA indicated that emergency meetings may be held to calm workers and begin negotiations.
Labour leaders vowed that the strike would continue until their demands were met, insisting that the latest incident reflects widespread frustration within the civil service.
Residents of Abuja have already begun feeling the impact of the strike, with disruptions affecting administrative services, environmental sanitation, construction supervision, and public facility maintenance.
As the situation unfolds, authorities are urging both sides to remain calm and pursue dialogue, warning that continued escalation could further destabilize essential services within the nation’s capital.
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