The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) is standing fully in solidarity with workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who recently embarked on an industrial action to demand the protection of their welfare, dignity, and fundamental inalienable labour rights.
The ongoing strike is as a result of the continued and deliberate failure of the FCTA authorities to meaningfully respond to long-standing grievances raised by workers and their unions, despite of several engagements, protests, and the issuance of a seven-day ultimatum which recently elapsed, but the FCTA authority callously ignored them.
Also, we are seriously disturbed by reports surrounding the 2024 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission, which workers have described as deeply flawed, poorly managed, and marred by technical failures. The alleged mass failure of candidates raises serious questions about the institution transparency, fairness, and respect for the right of workers to career growth.
Equally, the allegations of non-remittance of pension contributions, National Housing Fund deductions, and delays in the payment of approved wage awards cast more suspicious on the integrity of the FCTA authority. These actions constitute grave violations of workers socioeconomic rights and expose workers to long-term hardship and insecurity.
We also condemned the reported action of refusal of the FCT leadership to engage constructively with recognised labour unions. Dialogue and consultation are essential elements of democratic governance and effective labour relations, and their absence only fuels industrial conflict.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights therefore calls on the Federal Capital Territory Administration to Immediately open sincere and transparent dialogue with workers’ unions, address all outstanding welfare, promotion, and remuneration issues without further delay. Ensure the immediate remittance of pensions and all statutory deductions into appropriate accounts. Fully implement all approved wage awards and honour previous agreements reached with workers without further delay.
We equally reaffirms that the right to peaceful protest and industrial action is guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant international human rights instruments. We urge FCTA authority to respect these rights and refrain from any form of intimidation or repression of workers.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights stands firmly with FCT workers in their legitimate struggle for justice, fairness, and dignity.
Signed:
Comrade Deacon Jeremiah Onyibe
National Publicity Secretary, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR)
