Workers under the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) on Monday shut down offices of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) as they commenced an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare and career progression demands.
In a statement signed by JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary Abdullahi Saleh, the union said an earlier ultimatum issued on 7 January expired without substantive engagement from management.
The industrial action, it said, was triggered by non-payment of outstanding promotion arrears, delays in the conduct and release of promotion exercises, and extensions of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries.
According to the union, the prolonged contract extensions have stalled career mobility for serving officers and undermined morale within the FCT bureaucracy. The strike follows previous administrative reforms, including the approval of promotions for more than 2,000 workers, but JUAC maintains that core welfare issues remain unaddressed.
The shutdown has disrupted FCTA and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) operations, with key departments inaccessible to the public. As at press time, the FCT Administration had not issued an official response to the union’s action.
JUAC said the strike will continue until management meets its demands and outlines clear timelines for implementation.