Abuja will face a major shutdown from Monday, January 19, 2026, as workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) commence an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare and labour issues.
The Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) declared the strike after accusing FCTA authorities of ignoring a seven-day ultimatum issued to address workers’ demands. The directive orders all categories of staff to withdraw their services across FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils and parastatals.
Union leaders say the action became inevitable following what they described as management’s silence and lack of commitment to long-standing grievances.
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Among the issues listed are unpaid wage awards, outstanding promotion arrears, delayed promotions, and the continued retention of retired directors and permanent secretaries beyond their statutory tenure. Workers also accused the administration of failing to remit pension and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions, worsening working conditions and intimidation of staff.
JUAC further raised alarm over a “mass failure” in the 2024 promotion examinations, claiming about 77.5 per cent of candidates were affected.
In a notice signed electronically by its secretary, JUAC called on all FCTA workers to fully comply with the strike directive until their demands are met.
