FCTA, FCDA Workers Begin Strike, Shut Down Abuja Offices Over Unmet Demands
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Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on Monday commenced an indefinite industrial action, shutting down official activities across Abuja over what they described as unmet demands by the Federal Government.
A visit by Channels Television to the FCTA Secretariat at about 9:00 a.m. revealed a heavy security presence at the entrance, with operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force deployed at the gate. Workers were prevented from gaining access to the premises.
The strike is expected to disrupt operations across all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals, effectively grounding public service activities within the Federal Capital Territory.
The industrial action follows a directive issued by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), ordering workers across all cadres to withdraw their services beginning Monday, January 19, 2025.
In a statement dated January 8 and signed by JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh, the unions said the decision to embark on the strike became inevitable after an ultimatum issued on January 7 elapsed without meaningful engagement from the management.
According to JUAC, key grievances include the non-payment of outstanding promotion arrears, delays in the conduct and release of promotion exercises, and the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries. The unions argued that such extensions were hindering career progression for serving officers.
The workers also accused the administration of failing to remit statutory deductions, including pension contributions and National Housing Fund payments, warning that the situation could adversely affect the future welfare of staff.
JUAC further expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the exercise as largely unsuccessful and alleging that a significant number of its members were unfairly affected.
As of the time of filing this report, the FCTA management had yet to issue an official response to the strike action.
