From Fred Itua, Abuja

The Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has locked the entrance of the secretariat in compliance with the indefinite industrial action embarked upon by the labour unions.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), had on May 31st directed their members to embark on an indefinite strike from June 3rd.

The decision, according followed the failure of the Federal Government to increase the N60,000 minimum wage it offered to workers and its refusal to reverse the recent increase in electricity tariffs.

President of JUAC, Mrs Rifkatu Lortyer, told newsmen that the committee’s decision to deny workers access to the Secretariat was in compliance with the NLC and TUC directive.

He explained that JUAC, being part of the labour unions, has no choice but to fully enforce the strike.

“My advice to FCTA workers is simple: stay at home and be the obedient workers you’ve always been. The strike action is in the interest of the Nigerian workers,” she said.

During the May Day celebration, the labor unions issued the Federal Government an ultimatum to ensure that negotiations on a new national minimum wage were concluded by May 31.

The President of TUC, Festus Osifo, told newsmen that the strike had become necessary as the government declined to increase the N60,000 wage it offered on Friday during the meeting of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage.

Osifo also said that the strike was imperative due to the refusal of the government to reverse the hike in electricity tariffs.

NLC has confirmed that the nationwide strike set for June 3 will proceed, following a failed meeting with National Assembly leaders.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajuddeen Abbas presided over discussions with Labour leaders which also included high-ranking government officials such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Meanwhile, members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), an affiliate of the NLC, have laid siege to the entrance and exit of the National Assembly.

Some of the workers who arrived early to monitor the compliance met the entrance and exit gates blocked with two coastal buses.

The situation was not also different at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja. It was observed that intending passengers travelling by air could no longer gain access to the airport, following a blockade by the striking workers.