Tension erupted in Abuja on Monday as aggrieved workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) pursued the convoy of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during an ongoing protest over unresolved labour grievances.
The incident occurred amid a total and indefinite strike by FCTA workers, backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who were picketing the National Industrial Court and other government facilities in the nation’s capital.
Eyewitnesses said the protesters became agitated after learning that the minister had exited the FCTA Secretariat through a rear gate, prompting some of them to move towards his convoy in an attempt to intercept it.
Videos circulating on social media showed protesters chanting “ole” while security operatives swiftly cleared the route to prevent escalation.
The protest forms part of a broader industrial action driven by workers’ complaints over unpaid promotion arrears, poor working conditions, inadequate tools, and other unresolved welfare issues.
Labour leaders insist the strike followed months of failed negotiations with the FCTA leadership, describing the action as a last resort to compel government attention to their demands.
The unrest has disrupted administrative activities in the Federal Capital Territory, highlighting growing tensions between the FCTA leadership and organised labour.
