Minister used alternative exit to avoid barricade
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied reports that he fled from angry protesters at the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja on Monday, January 26, 2026.
A viral video circulating on social media appeared to show the Minister’s convoy being pursued by aggrieved workers who have been on a total and indefinite strike. However, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, has dismissed the claims as a “deliberate misrepresentation” of the facts.
According to Olayinka, the Minister chose to use an alternative exit through the Ministry of Agriculture because the main entrance of the secretariat had been blocked by the striking workers. He explained that Wike was in a hurry to reach the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to see off President Bola Tinubu, who was departing for an official visit to Turkey. The aide insisted that the decision to use a different route was a tactical move to avoid a confrontation with the protesters, not an act of cowardice.
The clarification comes as tensions remain high between the FCT Administration (FCTA) and its workforce over unresolved labor issues, including the non-payment of the new minimum wage. The workers, led by the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) and supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have vowed to continue their industrial action until their demands are met. They have accused the Minister of prioritizing political maneuvers over the welfare of the civil servants who keep the capital running.
Workers pursuit viral video sparks debate in Abuja
The viral footage, which has been shared thousands of times on platforms like X and WhatsApp, shows a group of protesters chanting slogans and chasing a black SUV believed to be carrying the Minister. Many social media users interpreted the scene as a sign of the growing unpopularity of the Minister’s reforms within the civil service. Critics have pointed out that this is not the first time Wike has faced a “hostile” reception from organized labor since he assumed office.
| Event Details: The Abuja Secretariat Protest | Status/Clarification |
| Date of Incident | Monday, January 26, 2026 |
| Location | FCTA Secretariat, Garki, Abuja |
| Reason for Strike | Unpaid Minimum Wage & Peculiar Allowances |
| Minister’s Destination | Abuja Airport (to see off the President) |
Lere Olayinka further clarified that the Minister could have instructed his security details to clear the path by force, but he chose a more peaceful alternative to prevent the situation from escalating. He noted that Wike remains committed to the “Renewed Hope” agenda and will not be distracted by “social media propaganda” sponsored by political opponents. The aide urged the public to verify information before sharing videos that are “taken out of context” to paint a false narrative.
Labor unions stand firm on indefinite strike action
Despite the Minister’s explanation, the leadership of the NLC and JUAC have maintained that the workers’ actions were a spontaneous expression of their frustration. They argue that the FCTA management has shown “gross insensitivity” to the plight of workers who are struggling with the current high cost of living. The unions have ignored calls to return to the negotiating table, insisting that only the actual payment of their arrears will end the strike.
The ongoing industrial action has paralyzed most administrative activities in the FCT, with many residents unable to process land titles, business permits, or other essential documents. There are also concerns that the strike could extend to the waste management and water supply sectors if a resolution is not reached by the end of the week. While the Minister maintains that he is “not running,” the empty offices at the secretariat suggest that the labor crisis is far from over.
As January 2026 draws to a close, the “war of words” between the Minister’s office and the labor unions highlights the deep divide in the management of the nation’s capital. Whether Wike chose a different exit for convenience or safety, the reality remains that the workers are demanding more than just explanations—they are demanding their pay. All eyes are now on the National Industrial Court to see if a legal intervention can provide a breakthrough in the stalemate.
