FCTA Strike: 10 of 14 Workers' Demands Met, But Indefinite Action Shuts Down Secretariat and Offices

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Government operations in the Federal Capital Territory came to a standstill on Monday as workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) commenced an indefinite strike, effectively shutting down the FCTA Secretariat, various departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals.

The industrial action, directed by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to FCTA management on January 7, 2026. Despite several meetings, unions accused authorities of failing to adequately address longstanding labour and welfare grievances, prompting workers across all cadres to withdraw their services.

Key demands include payment of outstanding promotion arrears, implementation of stalled promotions, settlement of wage awards, hazard and rural allowances (particularly for health workers), correction of salary distortions, non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions, poor working conditions, lack of training, and the controversial extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries.

In response to the shutdown, the FCTA stated that it has already met 10 out of the 14 demands presented by the workers. According to officials, significant progress includes:

Commencement of payments for five months of outstanding wage awards.

Full settlement of 13 months' hazard allowance and 22 months' rural allowance owed to health workers.

Approval and processing of N286 million in outstanding promotion arrears for 724 officers across 24 Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies (SDAs).

FCTA representatives emphasized that the remaining four demands are under active consideration through ongoing dialogue, with appeals made to union leaders over the weekend to reconsider the strike in light of these achievements.

The strike has grounded administrative activities in Abuja, with reports of locked gates at the FCTA Secretariat and heavy security deployment. JUAC leaders have vowed that the action will continue indefinitely until all demands are fully met, describing the situation as a result of "breach of trust, inaction, and deliberate demoralisation" of the workforce.

This development adds to previous labour unrest in the FCT, including protests in 2025 over similar issues like delayed promotions and poor conditions. Authorities have urged for calm and continued negotiations, while warning of potential disruptions to essential services in the nation's capital.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides indicating willingness for further talks to resolve the impasse and restore normal operations.

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