By Merciful Omoba
Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on Monday commenced an indefinite strike, shutting down government offices across Abuja.
A visit to the FCTA Secretariat early Monday showed a heavy security presence, with officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force barring workers from entering the premises.
The industrial action is expected to affect all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils and parastatals, effectively grounding official activities within the Federal Capital Territory.
A security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said workers were denied access to offices due to the strike.
The action followed a decision by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which had earlier announced plans to shut down government offices after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to FCTA management.
JUAC said the ultimatum, which took effect from January 7, 2026, was ignored despite several meetings. The notice was contained in a statement dated January 8 and signed by the union’s President, Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Saleh.
According to the unions, unresolved issues include outstanding promotion arrears, stalled promotions, alleged non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions, and the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries.
JUAC also criticised the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the exercise as a failure that reportedly affected many candidates.
