The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has brokered a late-night truce with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), bringing an end to the strike that paralyzed parts of Abuja.

The development is paving the way for workers to return immediately.

The agreement was reached around 3:50 am on Tuesday after over three hours of negotiations chaired by the Senate Committee on the FCT, led by Senator Mohammed Bomoi. The meeting started a few minutes before 12:00am.

In attendance were Wike, the Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo respectively.

The scribes of both labour centres as well as other key stakeholders, were also present.

THE NATION reports that organised labour, comprising the two labour centres, on Monday insisted that there would be no going back on the planned massive protest to press home the demands of FCTA workers.

Police authorities in the FCT cautioned the movement to reschedule its action in the “interest of safety”, adding that there were plots by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN/Shi’ites) and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.

The Minister had also obtained an interim court order restraining the NLC and the TUC from embarking on the action.

According to a statement after the meeting and signed by NLC and TUC, it was agreed that, arising from the strike action, no worker shall be victimized in any manner.

Upah, who was flanked by the General Secretary of the TUC, Nuhu Toro, and other labour leaders, also disclosed that all outstanding cases at the National Industrial Court (NIC) would be withdrawn immediately.

He added: “All affiliates are hereby informed that a conciliatory meeting was held between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the instance of the Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi.

“At the conclusion of the meeting, the following resolutions were reached: All complaints presented by JUAC members were taken one after the other and fully addressed.

“The Honourable Minister assured organized labour of mutual respect and sustained engagement going forward.”

He, however, announced that all workers in the FCT had been directed to resume duties immediately.

“Consequently, all JUAC members and all affiliates of the TUC and NLC working in the Ministry of the FCT (MFCT) are hereby directed to resume work immediately.

“All affiliates are enjoined to comply strictly with this directive in the interest of industrial peace and harmony, in good faith”.