PROTESTING FCT WORKERS EMBARKED ON AN INDEFINITE STRIKE, SHUT OFFICES AND DEMAND TO MEET WIKE

Operations at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) were brought to a standstill on Monday, January 19, 2026, as workers embarked on an indefinite strike. Under the umbrella of the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), the protesters shut down the main secretariat gates in Area 11, Garki, demanding a direct audience with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The strike follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued by the union. According to JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, the industrial action is a “last resort” after repeated attempts at dialogue failed to yield concrete results.

The workers’ grievances center on several long-standing welfare and administrative issues:

• Promotion Arrears: Non-payment of outstanding promotion arrears for 2023 and 2024.

• Career Progression: Delays in the conduct and release of promotion exercises and the controversial “mass failure” in the 2024 promotion exams (reportedly a 22.5% pass rate).

• Tenure Elongation: Protesting the continued service of retired directors and permanent secretaries, which workers claim blocks the advancement of younger officers.

• Statutory Deductions: Alleged failure to remit pension contributions and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions since May 2025.

• Wage Awards: Unpaid outstanding five-month wage awards and allowances for health workers.

In a swift reaction, the FCTA management has characterized the strike as “unnecessary.” Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications, stated that the administration has already met 10 out of the 14 demands presented by the union.

Olayinka emphasized that Minister Wike has shown “uncommon commitment” to staff welfare and urged the union to return to the negotiating table.

As of Tuesday morning, heavy security presence remains at the FCTA Secretariat. While the administration claims some departments have dissociated themselves from the strike, the JUAC “task force” has maintained a “Code Remain at Home” order for its members.

The shutdown has significantly disrupted public services, leaving many residents who visited the secretariat for land documents, business permits, and administrative inquiries stranded at the gates.