By Our Correspondent
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun the payment of part of the outstanding salary and entitlement arrears owed to some workers, coming days ahead of a planned protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Sources within the administration confirmed that the payments were made as part of ongoing efforts to address workers’ grievances and ease growing tension ahead of the proposed industrial action. The move is seen as a step toward engaging organised labour and preventing a disruption of activities within the Federal Capital Territory.
The NLC had earlier announced plans to stage a protest over unpaid arrears and other welfare-related concerns affecting workers under the FCTA. Labour leaders had accused authorities of delays in fulfilling agreements reached with unions, warning that failure to act could lead to mass demonstrations.
Officials of the FCTA explained that discussions with labour representatives are ongoing and that the payment of the arrears is being carried out in phases due to financial and administrative considerations. They assured workers that efforts are underway to settle the remaining balances as soon as possible.
While welcoming the partial payment, labour unions have maintained that full settlement of the arrears remains their primary demand. They noted that further decisions on the planned protest would depend on the outcome of continued negotiations with the authorities.
