FCT Workers' Indefinite Strike Grounds Abuja Offices as Demands Remain Unmet -

Government activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remain severely disrupted for the third straight day as thousands of workers from the Federal Capital Territory Administration and Federal Capital Development Authority continue their indefinite strike.

The industrial action, declared by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), began on Monday, January 19, 2026, after a seven-day ultimatum expired without satisfactory resolution.

Workers locked gates and shut down key facilities, including the main FCTA Secretariat in Area 11, Garki, preventing staff and visitors from entering. Heavy security presence has been reported at entrances.

JUAC leaders, including Vice President Musa Istifanus and Secretary Abdullahi Saleh, said the strike stems from the authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare issues. Key demands include:

Full implementation of the new national minimum wage.

Payment of outstanding wage awards (including arrears for up to five months in some cases).

Settlement of promotion arrears, rural allowances, and backlogs.

Improved working conditions and other unresolved entitlements.

A direct meeting with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to resolve the crisis.

Union officials insist that repeated efforts to engage FCTA management and the minister have failed.

“The minister has refused to meet with the union,” Istifanus told journalists outside the secretariat on the first day. “We are stakeholders, but our voices are ignored.”

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FCTA officials, through Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications Lere Olayinka, have pushed back strongly.

In statements released Monday and Tuesday, the administration claimed 10 out of 14 demands presented by JUAC have already been met, with the remaining four under active review.

They described the strike as “unnecessary” and “ill-motivated,” noting:
No salaries are owed—payments are current.
Payment of outstanding five-month wage awards has commenced.

Recent actions, such as clearing 13 months of hazard allowance arrears for health workers, show commitment to welfare.

Positive feedback from groups like the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA) highlights progress under Minister Wike.

JUAC swiftly rejected these claims in a statement on Tuesday, January 20, insisting no formal agreement has been reached on any demand.

The union denied that payments for wage awards, rural allowances, 2023 promotion arrears, or compliance with public service rules had been fully achieved.

The strike remains in full force, with no suspension announced.

The action has paralyzed administrative services across Abuja, affecting project approvals, public dealings, and daily operations in FCTA and FCDA departments. It adds to ongoing labour tensions in the territory since Minister Wike’s appointment in 2023.

A workers’ solidarity group, the Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN), has publicly backed the strike, urging immediate negotiations and calling on FCT residents to support the workers.

As of midday, no breakthrough has been reported. Both sides appear dug in, with the possibility of escalated talks depending on whether Minister Wike agrees to a direct meeting.

The strike’s continuation could further delay FCT governance and services at a time when the capital faces other pressures, including preparations for upcoming area council elections.

Updates are expected from JUAC, FCTA, or the minister’s office.