By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has thrown its full weight behind workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) over their ongoing industrial action, describing the strike as a legitimate response to persistent neglect of workers’ welfare and labour rights.

In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Comrade Debo Adeniran, and the organisation’s Publicity Secretary, Deacon Onyibe Jeremiah, the CDHR said the strike was triggered by the continued and deliberate failure of FCTA authorities to address long-standing grievances raised by workers and their unions.

According to the group, the FCTA allegedly ignored several engagements, protests, and a seven-day ultimatum issued by the workers, which expired without any meaningful response from the authorities.

The human rights organisation also expressed serious concern over reports surrounding the 2024 promotion exercise conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission, which workers reportedly described as deeply flawed, poorly managed, and riddled with technical failures.

CDHR noted that the alleged mass failure recorded during the exercise raises serious questions about transparency, fairness, and respect for workers’ right to career progression.

Equally troubling, the group said, are allegations of non-remittance of pension contributions, National Housing Fund deductions, and delays in the payment of approved wage awards, describing them as grave violations of workers’ socio-economic rights that expose employees to long-term hardship and insecurity.

The organisation further condemned the reported refusal of the FCT leadership to engage constructively with recognised labour unions, stressing that dialogue and consultation remain fundamental to democratic governance and effective labour relations.

“Failure to engage workers through their unions only deepens mistrust and fuels industrial conflict,” the statement added.

CDHR therefore called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration to immediately open sincere and transparent dialogue with workers’ unions, address all outstanding welfare, promotion, and remuneration issues, and ensure the prompt remittance of pensions and all statutory deductions.

The group also urged the FCTA to fully implement all approved wage awards and honour previous agreements reached with workers without further delay.

Reaffirming its position, CDHR stressed that the right to peaceful protest and industrial action is guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant international human rights instruments.

It cautioned the FCTA authorities against any form of intimidation or repression of workers, while reiterating its unwavering solidarity with FCT workers in their struggle for justice, fairness, and dignity.