PHOTOS: Activities grounded as FCTA, FCDA workers begin indefinite strike over ‘unmet demands’
Offices across the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA in Abuja, the nation’s capital, were under lock and key on Monday as workers commenced an indefinite strike over what the unions described as “unmet demands” by the federal government.
The strike crippled activities across all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals.
At the Federal Capital Territory Minister’s office, the main entrance was manned by security operatives, with no workers in sight.
Several government institutions were also deserted, including Asokoro General Hospital, the FCT College of Education, Zuba, and the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) in Area 2, alongside many other agencies under the FCT administration.
The strike followed a directive by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) ordering workers across all cadres of the administration to withdraw their services from Monday, January 19, 2026.
The directive was contained in a statement dated January 8 and signed by JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh.
According to the unions, an ultimatum issued on January 7 expired without any meaningful engagement from management.
JUAC listed its grievances to include the non-payment of outstanding promotion arrears, delays in the conduct and release of promotion exercises, and the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries — a practice the unions said was stalling career progression for serving officers.
The workers also accused the administration of failing to remit statutory deductions, including pension contributions and National Housing Fund payments, warning that the lapses could jeopardise the future welfare of affected staff.
In addition, JUAC criticised the outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the exercise as largely unsuccessful and alleging that many of its members were adversely affected.
