Most Demands Met, Says FCTA As Workers Begin Strike In Abuja

THE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Monday, January 19, insisted that 10 out of the 14 demands of its workers had been met, even as they commenced an indefinite strike.
The action led to the closure of key administrative offices, including the FCTA secretariat, as workers stayed away from duty in compliance with the strike directive.
Security operatives were deployed to affected offices early in the day, while those seeking official services were turned back at the gates.
This followed a directive by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) ordering staff across all cadres to withdraw their services, alleging that an earlier ultimatum over pending demands was not unaddressed.
But the unions insisted that the strike would continue until all demands were fully met, with JUAC, in a circulated notice, titled, ‘Code Remain at Home,’ urging staff to stay away from work.
In a statement signed by its President, Rifkatu Lortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh, JUAC accused the FCTA authorities of failing to respond to its demands, noting that workers were ordered to withdraw their services after management “failed to address long-standing labour and welfare issues,” despite repeated notices.
The issues include non-payment of promotion arrears, delays in career progression and the alleged non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund contributions, which it said could “jeopardise the future welfare of affected staff.”
The unions also worried over the conduct and outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, which they described as largely unsuccessful, alleging that many workers were unfairly affected.
JUAC also criticised what it described as the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries, saying the practice was “blocking the career progression of serving officers.”
It urged workers to comply fully with the action and stay at home, saying a task force would be deployed “to ensure full compliance.”
However, in its reaction to the shutdown, the FCTA inisisted that it had already met 10 of the 14 demands presented by the workers and was addressing the remaining four through ongoing dialogue.
According to Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Public Communications and Social Media, top officials had held multiple meetings with union leaders, including sessions on Saturday and Sunday, while the minister had demonstrated willingness to resolve all issues raised.
According to the FCTA, key interventions already implemented include the commencement of payment for five months outstanding wage awards; full settlement of 13 months hazard allowance and 22 months’ rural allowance owed to health workers; and approval of N286million in outstanding promotion arrears for 724 officers across 24 Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies (SDAs).
It stated that issues regarding tenure elongation for retired directors and permanent secretaries had been resolved, while training and retraining needs were being addressed.
It dismissed claims of non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund (NHF) contributions, saying a committee has been set up to monitor all deductions and remittances.
On promotion examinations, the FCTA said the union’s reported pass rate had no official backing, advising them to await the formal release of results.
It stated that some workers, including members of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, had dissociated themselves from the strike and should be allowed to perform their duties unhindered.