The Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has called off its three-month-long strike and directed all members to return to work starting from midnight on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the union’s Chairman, Abdullahi Kabi, announced that the strike would be officially suspended effective midnight on July 15, 2025.
The decision followed extensive deliberations and appeals from key stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, the FCT Traditional Council, and other influential parties.
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The strike, which had paralyzed operations across local government areas in the FCT, was suspended after the Minister directed Area Councils to allocate 10% of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to clear outstanding salary arrears for local government staff. This measure is intended to cover three months’ worth of unpaid wages.
Kabi explained that the Minister’s directive played a pivotal role in the union’s decision, as it demonstrated a concrete step toward resolving the financial crisis affecting workers.
He added that NULGE would actively participate in a newly formed Special Committee, established by the Minister, to address and reconcile all outstanding financial obligations within a two-week period.
The committee will work in collaboration with the House Committee on the FCT and other relevant bodies.
Beyond the immediate issue of salary arrears, the union emphasized its continued commitment to dialogue with Area Council Chairmen to resolve ongoing matters related to staff welfare.
These include the full implementation of the 40% Peculiar Allowance from January 2023, as well as long-pending salary adjustments under CONHESS, CONMESS, and CONPSS structures. Other outstanding demands include the N35,000 wage award, unremitted pension contributions, and promotion arrears.
Kabi reaffirmed NULGE’s dedication to fostering a stable and peaceful working environment across the FCT, assuring members that the union remains vigilant in pursuing a comprehensive resolution to all unresolved labor issues.
He also expressed the union’s gratitude to Minister Wike, the FCT Traditional Council, and other stakeholders for their efforts in resolving the deadlock.
The union added that it would collaborate with the Special Committee constituted by the Minister “to harmonize all outstanding arrears within two weeks, aiming for a holistic resolution through the National Assembly House Committee on FCT and ancillary matters.”
Kabi noted that the union would continue engaging with Area Council Chairmen to resolve issues related to members’ welfare while emphasizing the union’s dedication to industrial stability.
“The union will engage with the Area Council Chairmen to address outstanding issues, including the 40% Peculiar Allowance, CONHESS/CONMESS and CONPSS salary adjustments, and other entitlements.”
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“NULGE is committed to sustaining industrial peace and harmony within the council and FCT at large,” he said.
The union expressed appreciation to Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister, the FCT Traditional Council, and other stakeholders for their role in resolving the impasse. It also thanked the general public and its members for their understanding and cooperation throughout the strike period.
While the strike has been suspended, NULGE affirmed that it remains focused on resolving pending issues, including the implementation of the 40% Peculiar Allowance effective from January 2023, salary adjustments under CONHESS/CONMESS and CONPSS, the N35,000 wage award, unremitted pension deductions, and arrears of promotion and other entitlements.
“The union remains committed to engaging with the Area Council Chairmen on the remaining entitlements and looks forward to a swift resolution of all outstanding issues,” the statement concluded.
