FCTA Workers Down Tools, Offices Shut Amid Strike

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…while the FCTA administration had not responded to the strike

ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA activities came to a halt on Monday morning as workers across the Federal Capital Territory Administration closed the main secretariat in protest over unresolved labour and welfare concerns.

The industrial action followed a directive from the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which instructed workers at all levels of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to suspend their duties starting Monday, January 19, 2026, citing the administration’s failure to address long-standing demands.

The directive was issued in a statement dated January 8 and signed by JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary Abdullahi Saleh. The unions noted that a previous ultimatum issued on January 7 had expired without meaningful engagement from management.

Key grievances highlighted by the unions include the non-payment of outstanding promotion arrears, delays in conducting and releasing promotion exercises, and the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries, which they argue obstructs career progression for current officers.

The unions also accused the administration of failing to remit statutory deductions, including pension contributions and National Housing Fund payments, warning that this neglect could jeopardize the future welfare of affected staff.

JUAC further expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the process as largely unsuccessful and claiming that many of its members were negatively impacted. The unions affirmed that the industrial action would continue until all demands are addressed.

Security personnel have been deployed to maintain order at the secretariat, while the FCTA administration had not responded to the strike as of the time of reporting.

Hours before the strike, the unions circulated a notice titled “Code Remain at Home,” urging all staff to stay away from the office to ensure compliance and support the agitation for improved working conditions.

The notice read in part:

“All staff are advised to stay at home as the strike action declared by JUAC begins on Monday, January 19th, 2026. Do not report to work as JUAC taskforce will be on site to monitor compliance.”

The union leadership called on members to maintain the status quo until further directives, reinforcing their message with solidarity slogans such as “Aluta Continua! Victoria Acerta!” and “Enough is enough!”.