Employees of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) commenced an indefinite strike on Monday, resulting in a substantial disruption of government activities throughout Abuja. The action led to the closure of major offices, including the FCTA Secretariat, as workers stayed away from their posts in line with the
Employees of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) commenced an indefinite strike on Monday, resulting in a substantial disruption of government activities throughout Abuja.
The action led to the closure of major offices, including the FCTA Secretariat, as workers stayed away from their posts in line with the union’s directive.
Requests put forward included settling outstanding payments for enforcement officers, releasing a schedule for promotions, allowing staff due for promotion in 2023 to take exams later this year, and approving at least two months of overhead funds to maintain office operations.
Security staff were posted at multiple facilities in the morning, preventing residents from accessing government services.
The strike was declared by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which represents workers in different departments of the FCT public service. The decision followed the expiration of an ultimatum earlier issued to FCTA management over unresolved labour and welfare issues.
In a statement endorsed by President Rifkatu Lortyer and Secretary Abdullahi Saleh, JUAC asserted that the FCTA leadership did not respond to multiple requests from staff. The union reported that employees were directed to cease work following management’s lack of action on persistent labor and welfare concerns, despite several prior notifications.
Among the key grievances are unpaid promotion arrears, delays in career advancement, and the alleged failure to remit pension and National Housing Fund deductions. The union warned these lapses could jeopardise the future welfare of affected staff.
JUAC also faulted the conduct and outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the exercise as largely unsuccessful and claiming many workers were unfairly treated.
In addition, the union criticised the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries, arguing that the practice is “blocking the career progression of serving officers.”
Before the strike began, JUAC circulated a notice titled “Code Remain at Home,” urging all workers to stay away from work.
“All staff are advised to stay at home as the strike action declared by JUAC commences on Monday,” the notice said, adding that a task force would be deployed “to ensure full compliance.”
The leadership encouraged members to remain firm, using slogans such as “Aluta Continua! Victoria Acerta!” and “Enough is enough!”
JUAC insisted the strike would not be suspended until its demands are fully met. However, this is not the first time JUAC workers have taken action over welfare concerns under the current FCT administration.
In June 2025, the workers protested and locked the gates of the FCTA Secretariat to highlight issues, including poor working conditions and delayed promotions.
At the time, union president Rifkatu Lortyer cited stalled promotions, unpaid overhead funds since December 2024, lack of staff training, and irregular salary payments.
After temporarily suspending that protest, the union issued a 21-day ultimatum to the administration. After the deadline expired in July, JUAC said most of its demands remained unresolved, even though there were limited concessions.
