FCT Minister Attends Son’s UK Graduation During Capital Worker Strike

Amid a total shutdown of government offices in Abuja due to an indefinite strike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, travelled to the United Kingdom to attend his son’s graduation.

The strike, which began on Monday, was called by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) over unresolved grievances including unpaid wage awards, promotion arrears, and non-remittance of pension deductions.

Despite the halted administration in the capital, Wike was in London on Thursday for his son Joaquin’s graduation from King’s College London, where he earned an MSc in Management and Technology Change. In a social media post, the minister expressed gratitude and acknowledged political associates who joined him, including Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and PDP chieftains Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Chief Dan Orbih.

The minister’s trip coincides with his administration taking the striking unions to the National Industrial Court. On January 21, the court granted the FCTA permission to serve court processes via substituted means, following claims that the union’s actions risk a total breakdown of services in the FCT. The case is adjourned to January 26 for a hearing.

The unions have vowed to continue the strike until their demands are met, causing ongoing disruption to public services in Abuja.