Indefinite strike looms in FCTA over unresolved staff grievances

Workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have declared an indefinite strike scheduled to commence on Monday, January 19, 2026, over unresolved labour issues.

The strike was announced by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which directed all categories of workers within the Federal Capital Territory to withdraw their services.

In a notice obtained by SaharaReporters, JUAC said the action will shut down activities across all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies (SDAs), area councils and parastatals.

The unions said the decision followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to FCTA management, alleging that the authorities failed to respond or take concrete steps to address workers’ demands.

Among the grievances listed are the non-payment of outstanding wage awards, unpaid promotion arrears, delayed promotion exercises, and the continued elongation of tenure for retired directors and permanent secretaries.

JUAC also accused the administration of failing to remit pension contributions and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions, as well as subjecting workers to poor working conditions and intimidation. The unions further decried what they described as neglect of staff welfare.

Another major concern raised was the outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, which JUAC said recorded a “mass failure,” affecting about 77.5 per cent of candidates.

The strike notice, electronically signed by the JUAC Secretary, urged all FCT workers to comply fully with the directive until the listed demands are addressed.

As of the time of filing this report, the FCTA had not issued an official response to the strike announcement.