Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) have commenced an industrial action, effectively grounding government activities across Abuja.
As early as 8:10 a.m. on Monday, security operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force were stationed at the entrance of the FCTA Secretariat, preventing workers from accessing the premises.
The strike is expected to affect all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils and parastatals, bringing official activities within the Federal Capital Territory to a halt. A security personnel, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that staff were barred from entry due to the ongoing action.
The industrial action followed an earlier notice issued by workers last Friday, declaring plans to shut down government offices across the FCT and its area councils. The decision was taken by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which directed workers across all cadres to withdraw their services, citing the authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare demands.
According to the unions, the strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to FCTA management, which took effect from January 7, 2026. The notice, dated January 8, was signed by JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary Abdullahi Saleh, and copied to key officials, including the Minister of State for the FCT.
Unresolved issues highlighted by the unions include unpaid promotion arrears, stalled promotions, continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries, alleged non-remittance of pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions, as well as concerns over the conduct of the 2024 promotion examinations, which they described as a failure.
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