The Federal Capital Territory Administration has announced that it has met 10 out of 14 demands made by striking workers, with efforts ongoing to address the remaining issues. According to Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, FCTA officials have held multiple meetings with union leaders to discuss workers’ grievances.
Some workers, including members of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, have dissociated themselves from the strike and should be allowed access to their offices to carry out their duties. The Association of Resident Doctors, FCT, commended the minister, Nyesom Wike, for his leadership, particularly for the payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears and one month’s wage award.
Several key demands have already been addressed, including the payment of outstanding five months’ wage award and full payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance and 22 months’ rural allowance for health workers. The payment of promotion arrears for 724 officers across 24 SDAs, totaling N286,166,772.46, has been approved and is being processed.
Issues concerning the extension of tenure of retired directors and permanent secretaries have been resolved, with strict compliance with Public Service Rules assured. Training and retraining needs for staff have been directed to the Office of the Head of Service for necessary action. Other issues, including the remittance of National Housing Fund deductions and pension contributions, are being addressed by a worker-led committee.
Concerns over the promotion examination process and the overstay of overseeing directors are also under review, with results from the 2023 and 2024 promotions expected to address these matters conclusively. The FCTA has appealed to striking union leaders to adopt dialogue in resolving pending issues, stressing that the administration remains committed to the welfare of its workers.
The development comes as the strike continues, with the FCTA working to address the remaining demands. The administration’s efforts to engage with union leaders and address workers’ grievances are seen as a positive step towards resolving the dispute. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the striking workers will return to work and whether the FCTA will meet the remaining demands. The outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for the welfare of workers in the Federal Capital Territory.
