Federal workers in Nigeria’s capital territory have embarked on an indefinite strike, shutting down the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday. The Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) is leading the protest, citing unresolved welfare concerns that have been affecting workers’ morale and productivity. The union’s president, Mrs. Rifkatu Iortyer, outlined several key issues, including non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions, non-payment of overheads, and unlawful restriction of salary preparation and payment.
Other pressing concerns include the absence of a financial threshold for Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Secretariat Departments and Agencies (SDAs), as well as the elongation of tenure for some retired directors and Permanent Secretaries. The union is also seeking payment of outstanding wage awards, promotion arrears, and improved working conditions. Furthermore, workers are protesting against staff intimidation, lack of training and retraining, and the mass failure recorded in the 2024 promotion examination, which they are demanding be reversed.
These issues, according to Iortyer, have been ongoing for too long, causing hardship and frustration for workers dedicated to serving the country. The union has been seeking urgent action from the administration to address these concerns. Although management has invited the union for a meeting, Iortyer stated that they will not attend until key persons are present at the discussion table. This is not the first time the union has taken such action, having shut down the secretariat in June 2025 to draw attention to the issues.
The strike has significant implications for the administration and the workers, highlighting the need for prompt resolution of the outstanding issues. With the gates of the FCTA remaining locked, the union is resolute in its demand for meaningful dialogue and action from the administration. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the administration will respond to the union’s demands and work towards resolving the long-standing welfare concerns of its workers. The strike underscores the importance of addressing workers’ welfare and the need for constructive engagement between the administration and the union to find a mutually beneficial solution.
