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NLC threatens showdown next week
Byline: Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Nurses and teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), staged a joint protest on Thursday over the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, unpaid allowances, poor working conditions, and other grievances.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters gathered early at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters, known as Labour House, before marching peacefully to the FCT Minister’s Office in Garki, Abuja, where they delivered a protest letter to FCT Administration officials.
Jama Medan, Chairman of NANNM FCT Chapter, told journalists at the protest site that FCT healthcare facilities, particularly Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), have been neglected. “We have about 270 PHCs in FCT serviced by only about 120 nurses/midwives attending to thousands of patients,” he said.
“Sadly, these PHCs have been closed for over a month due to protests by healthcare workers, and nobody is saying anything about it. Women and children are dying because the health facilities have been locked down.”
Medan accused Area Council Chairmen of withholding N4.1 billion released by the FCT Administration to clear allowance arrears, alleging they diverted the funds for personal use. “The Minister intervened, but the Chairmen have refused to pay,” he said. “Nurses risk their lives, yet hazard and uniform allowances remain unpaid.”
He urged the FCT Administration to compel the Chairmen to pay the arrears, implement the minimum wage, and improve healthcare infrastructure and working conditions.
Abdullahi Muhammad Shefa, Chairman of NUT FCT Wing, also spoke, accusing Area Council Chairmen of undermining FCT Administration efforts to improve health and education. “The N4.1 billion released by the Minister for teachers and nurses has gone under the bridge,” he said. “Water has taken it away. The Minister should find ways to pay us.”
Shefa highlighted the ongoing struggle for teachers’ rights over the past two years. “These are legitimate rights, not privileges,” he said. “The Chairmen refuse to implement the minimum wage, which is legally backed by the National Assembly. Teachers are being used to settle personal issues, and this must stop.”
NLC President Joe Ajaero addressed the protesters, promising full NLC support. He threatened to mobilise NLC structures against the FCT Administration next week if the Minister fails to act. “This rally is not the main action, but a sign of what will happen if the authorities fail to do the needful,” he said. “I assure you of the solidarity of all Nigerian workers in the fight for better welfare and working conditions.”