‘Enough Is Enough’: FCTA Workers Ground Secretariat Over Welfare Issues

By our Correspondent

Activities at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat came to a standstill on Monday morning as workers embarked on an indefinite strike to protest unresolved labour and welfare matters.
The industrial action followed a directive from the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which instructed employees across all departments and cadres of the administration to withdraw their services, citing the management’s alleged failure to address long-standing demands.

In a statement dated January 8 and jointly signed by JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh, the unions said an ultimatum issued on January 7 elapsed without any meaningful response from the authorities.
JUAC listed key grievances to include the non-payment of outstanding promotion arrears, delays in the conduct and release of promotion exercises, and the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries. According to the unions, these practices have stalled the career progression of qualified officers within the system.
The workers also accused the administration of failing to remit statutory deductions such as pension contributions and National Housing Fund payments, warning that the situation could negatively affect the future welfare of staff.
Additionally, JUAC expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the exercise as largely unsuccessful and alleging that many members were unfairly treated.
The unions maintained that the strike would remain in effect until their demands are adequately addressed.
Meanwhile, security personnel were deployed to the secretariat to maintain law and order, while the FCTA management had yet to issue an official response as of the time of filing this report.
Hours before the shutdown, JUAC circulated a notice titled “Code Remain at Home,” urging workers to fully comply with the strike directive.
“By this notice, all staff are advised to stay at home as the strike action declared by JUAC commences on Monday, January 19, 2026. Do not come to work, as the JUAC task force will be on ground to ensure full compliance,” the notice stated in part.
The union leadership called on members to remain united, emphasizing that the action is aimed at securing better working conditions and improved welfare for FCTA staff.