Angry Workers Chase Wike’s Motorcade During Abuja Protest Over Unpaid Salaries

Tension escalated in Nigeria’s capital on Monday as a group of aggrieved workers reportedly chased the motorcade of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a protest over unresolved salary and welfare issues.

The incident occurred amid an ongoing industrial action by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), who have been on strike over what they describe as prolonged neglect of their welfare, including unpaid promotion arrears, delayed salaries, poor working conditions, and lack of essential work tools. Eyewitnesses said the protesters, chanting solidarity songs and anti-government slogans, pursued the minister’s convoy while demanding immediate intervention in their plight. Videos circulating on social media captured moments of heightened tension as demonstrators expressed frustration over what they called the government’s failure to honor previous agreements. The protest is reportedly being coordinated by unions under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), with backing from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Earlier in the day, workers staged a demonstration at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Wike Must Go,” “Pay Our Promotion Arrears,” and “Enough is Enough. Union leaders accused the FCTA leadership of reneging on commitments made during prior negotiations, arguing that workers have exhausted all peaceful channels in their bid to secure improved welfare and fair treatment. This protest is not about politics; it is about dignity, fair compensation, and respect for workers,” one union representative said, adding that the strike would continue until the government addresses all outstanding demands. In response, the FCTA has insisted that progress has been made on several of the workers’ demands. A spokesperson for the minister previously stated that a majority of the issues raised by the unions have been resolved, while discussions remain ongoing on the remaining concerns. The administration has also urged non-striking staff to continue their official duties to minimize disruption to public services. As of the time of filing this report, no injuries had been confirmed from the confrontation involving the minister’s motorcade. However, security has reportedly been reinforced across key locations in Abuja to prevent further escalation.