Labour Shuts Down Wike’s Office in Protest Over N70,000 Minimum Wage
There was heightened tension in Abuja on Thursday as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) staged a major protest, shutting down the office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. The workers demanded the swift implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage for employees of the Area Councils, teachers, and healthcare workers.
The demonstration kicked off at the Labour House, where large crowds of workers mobilized and marched towards the minister’s office located in Area 11. Holding placards and chanting slogans, the protesters were met by security barriers locked gates and armed police officers guarding the entrance. However, the workers refused to be deterred. They forcefully occupied the area, declaring that no official activities would continue until their grievances were addressed.
Chants of “We want Wike to come out himself!” filled the air as the protesters rejected any form of mediation. An attempt by the Mandate Secretary, Lawrence Garki, to speak on behalf of the Minister was met with loud jeers and accusations, with the crowd chanting “thief, thief,” signaling their distrust and anger.
In addition to demanding the new minimum wage, the NLC members also called for the immediate removal of the six Area Council Chairmen. They accused the local leaders of failing to prioritize the welfare of council workers, further fueling the dissatisfaction that led to the protest.
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