Abuja was brought to a standstill on Monday as workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) commenced an indefinite strike, shutting down government operations across the territory.
A visit to the FCTA Secretariat early on Monday revealed a deserted complex, with security operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force stationed at the entrance to prevent workers from accessing the premises.
By 8:10 a.m., workers were barred from entering the offices, indicating full compliance with the strike order. A security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the closure, saying: “Staff of FCDA and FCTA are not allowed into the office premises because of the strike.”
The strike is expected to cripple activities in all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils and parastatals, effectively halting public service delivery in the Federal Capital Territory.
The industrial action was declared after the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) warned on Friday that it would shut down government offices across the FCT and its area councils if their demands were not addressed.
The unions, representing workers across various cadres, said the strike became necessary after the FCTA management failed to respond to their long-standing labour and welfare demands, despite several meetings.
The action followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCTA management, which the unions said ended without any meaningful response.
The ultimatum, which began on January 7, 2026, was contained in a statement dated January 8 and signed by JUAC President Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary Comrade Abdullahi Saleh. Copies were sent to key government officials including the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service and the Director of Security Services.
JUAC listed several unresolved issues, including outstanding promotion arrears, stalled promotions and the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries.
The unions also accused the FCTA administration of failing to remit workers’ pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions, a development they said threatens staff welfare and future benefits.
Additionally, JUAC criticised the handling of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the process as flawed and claiming that it negatively impacted many workers.
As the strike enters its first day, the shutdown has raised concerns over the disruption of public services and the possible escalation of tensions between the unions and the FCTA leadership.
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Abuja shuts down as FCTA, FCDA workers begin indefinite strike
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Abuja was brought to a standstill on Monday as workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) commenced an indefinite strike, shutting down government operations across the territory.
A visit to the FCTA Secretariat early on Monday revealed a deserted complex, with security operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force stationed at the entrance to prevent workers from accessing the premises.
By 8:10 a.m., workers were barred from entering the offices, indicating full compliance with the strike order. A security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the closure, saying: “Staff of FCDA and FCTA are not allowed into the office premises because of the strike.”
The strike is expected to cripple activities in all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils and parastatals, effectively halting public service delivery in the Federal Capital Territory.
The industrial action was declared after the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) warned on Friday that it would shut down government offices across the FCT and its area councils if their demands were not addressed.
The unions, representing workers across various cadres, said the strike became necessary after the FCTA management failed to respond to their long-standing labour and welfare demands, despite several meetings.
The action followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCTA management, which the unions said ended without any meaningful response.
The ultimatum, which began on January 7, 2026, was contained in a statement dated January 8 and signed by JUAC President Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary Comrade Abdullahi Saleh. Copies were sent to key government officials including the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service and the Director of Security Services.
JUAC listed several unresolved issues, including outstanding promotion arrears, stalled promotions and the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries.
The unions also accused the FCTA administration of failing to remit workers’ pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions, a development they said threatens staff welfare and future benefits.
Additionally, JUAC criticised the handling of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the process as flawed and claiming that it negatively impacted many workers.
As the strike enters its first day, the shutdown has raised concerns over the disruption of public services and the possible escalation of tensions between the unions and the FCTA leadership.
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