Government activities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were grounded on Monday as workers commenced a shutdown of offices in Abuja and its area councils following the failure of authorities to address long-standing labour and welfare issues.
The action followed an earlier notice issued on Friday by organised labour under the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), directing workers across all cadres in the FCT to withdraw their services.
JUAC said the strike became inevitable after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the management of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), which it claimed was ignored despite several engagements during the period.
The unions stated that the ultimatum, which took effect from January 7, 2026, was formally communicated in a statement dated January 8 and signed by the JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, and the Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh.
Copies of the notice were also forwarded to the minister of state for the fct, the chief of staff, the head of service and the director of security services.
Read Also:
- FCTA workers to begin indefinite strike on Monday
- FCTA to begin sealing, revoking properties over unpaid fees
- FCTA director remanded over alleged forgery of land title documents
JUAC accused the FCTA of failing to resolve critical issues affecting workers, including unpaid promotion arrears, delayed promotions, and what it described as the “unlawful extension of service” for retired directors and permanent secretaries.
The unions further alleged that the administration had failed to remit workers’ pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions, raising concerns over the financial security of affected employees.
They also faulted the conduct of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the process as a “colossal failure” that reportedly disadvantaged the majority of workers who participated.
