Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority on Monday commenced an indefinite strike, leading to the shutdown of major government offices across Abuja.
The industrial action resulted in the closure of key administrative facilities, including the FCTA Secretariat, as employees stayed away from work in compliance with the strike directive issued by their unions.
Security personnel were deployed to affected offices, while residents seeking government services were turned back at entry points.
The strike was declared by the Joint Union Action Congress, which represents workers in various departments of the FCT public service, following the expiration of an ultimatum issued to FCTA management over unresolved labour and welfare issues.
In a statement jointly signed by its president, Rifkatu Lortyer, and secretary, Abdullahi Saleh, JUAC accused the FCTA authorities of ignoring repeated demands to address long-standing grievances.
According to the union, workers were directed to withdraw their services after management failed to respond meaningfully to their concerns.
The grievances include non-payment of promotion arrears, delays in career progression, and the alleged failure to remit pension and National Housing Fund contributions, which the union warned could jeopardise the future welfare of affected staff.
JUAC also criticised the conduct and outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the exercise as largely unsuccessful and unfair to many workers.
The union further expressed concern over the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries, noting that the practice was hindering the career advancement of serving officers.
Ahead of the strike, JUAC circulated a notice titled “Code Remain at Home,” urging full compliance from workers and warning that a task force would be deployed to ensure adherence.
The union leadership called on members to remain steadfast, insisting that the strike would continue until all demands are met.
This is the latest in a series of labour actions by FCTA and FCDA workers.
In June 2025, the workers staged a protest and shut the gates of the FCTA Secretariat over similar complaints, including poor working conditions, stalled promotions, non-payment of overhead costs, lack of staff training, and irregular salary payments.
Although the union had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum and temporarily suspended protests after some concessions were made, it said most of its core demands remain unresolved, prompting the current strike.
Efforts to reach JUAC’s president for further comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
