NLC, TUC Declare Solidarity With JUAC Workers, Announce Peaceful Rally to FCDA
By Raymond Akorede
NLC and TUC have reaffirmed solidarity with JUAC workers and announced a peaceful rally to the FCDA in Abuja to press home labour demands.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have reaffirmed their full support for members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), announcing plans to stage a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja this week.
In a joint statement issued on 1 February 2026, the two labour centres said they remain “unwavering” in their backing of JUAC workers and urged members to stay resolute in the defence of their rights and welfare.
The unions described the ongoing dispute as one grounded in fairness, justice and respect for labour rights, stressing that workers must not yield to intimidation or pressure.
“We restate, clearly and without ambiguity, our total commitment to this struggle,” the statement read. “There must be no retreat and no surrender in the face of intimidation, repression, or attempts to wear out workers through hardship and fear.”
As part of their show of support, the NLC and TUC announced that affiliates and state councils across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been directed to mobilise for a peaceful solidarity rally scheduled for Tuesday, 3 February, to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
According to the unions, the rally is intended to demonstrate collective support for affected workers and reinforce the long-standing principle that “an injury to one is an injury to all.”
The labour centres said further details regarding convergence points and timing would be communicated through their respective affiliates to ensure orderly participation.
They also instructed state councils and affiliate unions to intensify internal mobilisation efforts and ensure that members are fully informed and prepared to participate in what they described as a lawful and peaceful action.
“History has taught us that rights are never gifted — they are won through collective resistance and principled struggle,” the unions stated.
The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary of the NLC, and Comrade General NA Toro, Secretary General of the TUC.
The development signals growing coordination between Nigeria’s two largest labour federations as tensions continue between workers and authorities in the FCT, with unions vowing to sustain pressure until their demands are addressed.
Addressing workers directly, the statement added:
“You are not alone. We will not abandon you. No retreat, no surrender.”
— GLEBM News
