Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) commenced a strike on Monday, halting government activities across Abuja.
At 8:10 a.m., the normally busy FCTA Secretariat was deserted, with security personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force stationed at the gate to prevent staff from entering. “Staff of FCDA, FCTA are not allowed into the office premises because of the strike,” a security officer told our correspondent on condition of anonymity.
The industrial action was directed by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which called on workers at all levels across the FCT to withdraw their services. The unions cited what they described as the authorities’ “failure to address long-standing labour and welfare demands.”
The strike follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCTA management on January 7, 2026. The notice, signed by JUAC President Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary Comrade Abdullahi Saleh, was also sent to the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, and the Director of Security Services.
According to the unions, unresolved issues include outstanding promotion arrears, stalled promotions, the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries, and unpaid pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions. JUAC also criticised the conduct of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the process as a failure affecting many candidates.
The strike is expected to affect all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals, effectively grounding official activities in the Federal Capital Territory.
Government officials have yet to respond to the strike, and details of how the shutdown will be resolved remain pending.
