The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has travelled to the United Kingdom with his family and political associates to attend his son’s graduation at King’s College London, even as government offices in Abuja remained shut due to an indefinite strike by FCT workers.
On Monday, offices under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) were deserted after workers, under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), withdrew services over unpaid wage awards, promotion arrears, delayed promotions, and alleged illegal retention of retired officials. The unions also cited issues with pension contributions, National Housing Fund deductions, and staff intimidation as reasons for their industrial action.
Wike, however, used his official Facebook page on Thursday to celebrate his son, Joaquin Wike, who earned an MSc Degree in Management and Technology Change. He acknowledged the presence of political allies including Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, PDP Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih.
Meanwhile, the minister has taken JUAC to the National Industrial Court (NICN) in Abuja to restrain the unions from picketing, lockouts, or any activity that disrupts FCTA operations. The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/17/2026, lists Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Umar Saleh as defendants.
During the hearing, the defendants were absent. Justice E. D. Subilim granted the FCTA leave to serve the court processes by substituted means, including publication in a national newspaper and pasting at the JUAC office. The matter has been adjourned to January 26, 2026, for further hearing.
This development highlights a tense moment in the FCT, where administrative paralysis caused by the strike contrasts with the minister’s personal engagement overseas, leaving residents and workers awaiting a resolution to the ongoing impasse.
