FCTA strike in Abuja halts government activities as workers protest unpaid promotions, pensions, and welfare entitlements
Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority on Monday commenced an industrial action that shut down government activities across Abuja.
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The strike led to the closure of offices at the FCTA Secretariat and other government facilities within the Federal Capital Territory.
At about 8:10 a.m., security operatives barred workers from entering the FCTA Secretariat in Abuja.
Personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force were stationed at the main entrance.
A security officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said staff were denied access because of the ongoing strike.
“Staff of FCDA and FCTA are not allowed into the office premises because of the strike,” the officer said.
The industrial action is expected to affect all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals.
Official activities across the Federal Capital Territory were effectively grounded as a result.
The strike followed an earlier notice issued by workers on Friday, declaring plans to shut down government offices across the FCT and its area councils.
The action was directed by the Joint Union Action Congress, which instructed workers across all cadres to withdraw their services.
The unions cited the failure of the FCTA authorities to address long-standing labour and welfare demands.
Union leaders said the decision followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCTA management.
According to the unions, the ultimatum took effect from January 7, 2026, but was ignored despite several meetings.
The ultimatum was contained in a statement dated January 8 and signed by the JUAC President, Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, and the Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Saleh.
Copies of the notice were forwarded to the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, and the Director of Security Services.
The unions listed unresolved issues to include outstanding promotion arrears and stalled promotions.
They also raised concerns over the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries.
JUAC further alleged the non-remittance of pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions.
The unions described the 2024 promotion examinations as a failure that reportedly affected most of their members.
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As of Monday morning, the FCTA management had yet to issue an official response to the strike.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
