The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) workers have commenced an indefinite strike, leading to the closure of government offices across the FCT.
The industrial action follows a prior warning issued last Friday, when the workers announced their intention to down tools over unresolved labour and welfare-related issues.
The strike was initiated by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which directed employees at all levels within the FCT public service to withdraw their services.
JUAC accused the FCTA authorities of ignoring long-standing demands, stating that the strike was triggered after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the administration.
According to the unions, several meetings were held with management during the ultimatum period, but none produced tangible results.
The ultimatum, which began on January 7, 2026, was formally communicated in a statement dated January 8 and jointly signed by the JUAC President, Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Saleh.
The notice was also copied to key officials, including the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, and the Director of Security Services.
Among the grievances highlighted by the unions are unpaid promotion arrears, delays in staff promotions, and continued service extensions granted to directors and permanent secretaries due for retirement.
JUAC further alleged that the administration has failed to remit statutory deductions, including pension contributions and National Housing Fund payments.
In addition, the unions raised concerns over the handling of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the process as “poorly managed and unfair to many affected workers.”