FCTA: 10 of 14 workers’ demands met, urges end to strike

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said that 10 out of the 14 demands presented by striking workers have been met, while efforts are ongoing to address the remaining four.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

According to the statement, top FCTA officials have held several meetings with labour leaders, including engagements over the weekend, to resolve the issues. Olayinka said that during a meeting with leaders of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) on Friday, January 16, the administration clearly outlined the steps already taken to meet workers’ demands, stressing that the minister had never shown unwillingness to address any of the concerns.

The FCTA noted that some unions, including the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, have dissociated themselves from the strike, adding that such workers should be allowed unhindered access to their offices to perform their duties.

It also revealed that the Association of Resident Doctors, FCT (ARD-FCTA), had written to the minister to commend him for the payment of the long-standing 13-month hazard allowance arrears and a one-month wage award.

On specific demands, the administration said payment of the outstanding five months’ wage award has commenced, while the 13-month hazard allowance and 22-month rural allowance owed to health workers have been fully paid.

Regarding promotion arrears, the FCTA said outstanding arrears amounting to ₦286.17 million, covering 724 officers across 24 Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs), were approved by the minister in December 2025 and are currently being processed for payment.

The issue of elongation of tenure of retired directors and permanent secretaries was also addressed, with assurances of strict compliance with the Public Service Rules. On staff training and retraining, all SDAs have been directed to submit their training needs to the appropriate authorities for further action.

The FCTA further clarified that issues relating to non-remittance of National Housing Fund deductions and pension contributions are being handled by a committee comprising workers themselves, while concerns over the promotion examination process would be resolved following the official release of results as directed by the minister.

Olayinka said the administration believes the strike action is unnecessary, given the progress made in addressing workers’ welfare, and called on JUAC to embrace dialogue. He also appealed to security agencies to ensure that workers who are not participating in the strike are granted access to their offices to carry out their lawful duties.