WORKERS of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) today, began an indefinite strike, halting official activities across Abuja over what they described as unresolved demands by the Federal Government.
A visit to the FCTA Secretariat early this morning revealed a heavy security presence, with officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force stationed at the entrance.
Access to the complex was restricted, as workers were prevented from entering the premises.
The industrial action is expected to disrupt operations across all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals within the Federal Capital Territory, effectively grounding government business.
The strike followed a directive issued by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which instructed workers across all cadres to withdraw their services beginning from today, January 19, 2025.
In a statement dated January 8 and signed by JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh, the unions said an ultimatum issued on January 7 expired without meaningful engagement from management.
According to JUAC, the workers’ 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 these extensions were stalling career progression for serving officers.
The workers also accused the administration of failing to remit statutory deductions such as pension contributions and National Housing Fund payments, warning that the situation could negatively affect the future welfare of staff.
In addition, JUAC expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the exercise as largely unsuccessful and alleging that many of its members were adversely impacted.