By Onyeanya Immaculata

Workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), have announced plans to shut down government offices across Abuja and the area councils as they commence an indefinite strike on Monday, January 19, 2026.

The action, declared by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), is expected to paralyse activities in all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, parastatals and area councils, following what the unions described as the authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare issues.

Confirming the development on Friday, JUAC Public Relations Officer, Holina Adejoh, said workers across all cadres had been directed to withdraw their services.

The strike follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to FCTA management on January 7, which the unions said was ignored despite several meetings.

The ultimatum was conveyed in a January 8 notice signed by JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh.

The unions listed their grievances to include unpaid promotion arrears, delayed promotions, continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries, non-remittance of pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions, as well as alleged irregularities in the 2024 promotion examinations.

Efforts to obtain a response from FCTA authorities were unsuccessful, as the media aide to the FCT Head of Office did not return calls as of press time.

By Onyeanya Immaculata

The Federal Government has imposed a ban on sand mining within a 10-kilometre radius of the River Niger to protect the First and Second Niger bridges.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the decision on Friday in Asaba, Delta State, noting that the ban was approved by the Federal Executive Council to safeguard critical national infrastructure.

He directed the Delta State Police Command to enforce the order and arrest violators.

Umahi spoke during the inauguration of the CCTV monitoring centre for the Second Niger Bridge, where he also disclosed that tolling on the bridge would commence only after the completion of all access and bypass roads on the Anambra and Delta sides.

He explained that although tolling infrastructure is in place, the government would delay implementation to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Security on the bridge, he added, would rely on technology rather than physical checkpoints.

“The tollgate is ready, but we won’t start tolling until the access and bypass roads are completed,” Umahi said, adding that security agencies would operate from the CCTV centre and respond to emergencies within five minutes.

The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, commended the Federal Government for completing the Second Niger Bridge, describing it as vital to socio-economic development.

Similarly, the Igwe of Obosi and Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Chidubem Iweka, said the bridge has eased traffic on the old Niger Bridge and urged the swift completion of access roads to enhance commuter safety.

By Patrick Idowu

The police have arrested a 19-year-old driver, Nsikak Okon, after he allegedly knocked down three police officers during a reckless driving incident in Edo State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this on Friday via his official X handle while reacting to a viral video of the suspect’s arrest.

According to Hundeyin, Okon was driving a heavily tinted vehicle without number plates when he first encountered police officers on the road and sped past them recklessly.

He said the suspect later returned at high speed, narrowly missing an officer, before allegedly driving back again and deliberately knocking down three officers.

Hundeyin added that the suspect was apprehended shortly after the incident, with illicit drugs recovered from him. Investigations are ongoing.