Activities at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat in Abuja were brought to a complete standstill today, Monday January 19, 2026 as workers commenced an indefinite strike over unresolved labour and welfare issues.
The industrial action followed a directive by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which instructed staff across all cadres to withdraw their services with effect from January 19, 2026. Offices at the main secretariat were shut, while compliance with the strike was reportedly total.
In a statement dated January 8 and jointly signed by JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh, the unions said the strike became inevitable after the expiration of an ultimatum issued to FCTA management on January 7 without any meaningful response.
JUAC listed several unresolved grievances, including the non-payment of outstanding promotion arrears, prolonged 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, the extension of service for retired senior officers has continued to stifle career progression and promotion opportunities for serving staff within the administration.
The workers also accused FCTA management of failing to remit statutory deductions such as pension contributions and National Housing Fund (NHF) payments, warning that the lapses could jeopardise the future welfare and retirement plans of affected employees.
JUAC further expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the exercise as largely unsuccessful and alleging that many of its members were unfairly treated.
Ahead of the strike, the unions circulated a notice titled “Code: Remain at Home,” urging all staff to comply fully with the 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 taskforce will be on the ground to ensure total compliance,” the notice read.
The union leadership called on members to maintain unity and discipline throughout the industrial action, punctuating its mobilisation with slogans such as “Aluta Continua! Victoria Acerta!” and “Enough is enough!”
Meanwhile, security operatives were deployed around the FCTA Secretariat to maintain law and order. As of the time of filing this report, the FCTA management had yet to issue an official response to the strike action.
