Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA on Monday began an industrial action, bringing government activities across Abuja to a standstill.
A visit to the FCTA Secretariat as early as 8:10 a.m. revealed a heavy security presence at the entrance, with operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force manning the gate. Workers were denied access to the premises, effectively shutting down official operations.
A security operative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development, saying, “Staff of FCDA and FCTA are not allowed into the office premises because of the strike.”
The strike is expected to disrupt activities across all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils and parastatals, paralysing public services within the Federal Capital Territory.
The industrial action followed an earlier notice issued by workers on Friday, declaring their intention to shut down government offices across the FCT and its area councils. The directive came from the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which instructed workers at all levels to withdraw their services over what it described as the authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare concerns.
According to the unions, the action was taken after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCTA management, which they said yielded no positive response despite several meetings held within the period.
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The ultimatum, which took effect on January 7, 2026, was contained in a statement dated January 8 and jointly signed by the JUAC President, Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, and the Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Saleh. Copies were also sent to the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service and the Director of Security Services.
Among the unresolved issues raised by the unions are outstanding promotion arrears, delayed promotions, and the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries. The workers also accused the administration of failing to remit pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions.
JUAC further expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the exercise as unsuccessful and alleging that a large number of its members were adversely affected.
