Activities at the Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), were completely paralysed on Monday, January 19, 2026, as members of staff of the ministry commenced an indefinite strike over what they described as “unresolved labour and welfare concerns.
The shutdown of activities affected all Agencies and Departments of the FCTA as most offices were shutdown with no entry and exit from the Secretariat.
The commencement of the strike followed a directive by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which ordered the workers across all departments and cadres of the administration to withdraw their services with immediate effect.
The JUAC leadership said the Minister Nyesom Wike-led management allegedly failed to respond to a series of long-standing demands of staff, thus declared that the strike would remain in force pending when their demands are adequately addressed and resolved.
A statement jointly by Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Saleh, President and Secretary respectively of JUAC, dated January 8, 2026, stated that an earlier ultimatum issued on January 7, expired without any meaningful engagement from the authorities.
JUAC itemised the grievances to include; the non-payment of outstanding promotion arrears, delays in the conduct and release of promotion exercises, and the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries among other pending issues.
JUAC noted that the practice has stalled career progression for eligible officers within the system, adding that the administration also failed to remit statutory deductions, including pension contributions and National Housing Fund payments.
The Union warned that the situation could have serious implications for the future welfare of affected staff and also expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing it as largely unsuccessful, stressing that many of its members were unfairly affected.
While the strike by the FCTA staff commenced, security operatives were deployed to the Secretariat to keep vigil of government property and to maintain law and order.
The management of the FCTA had yet to issue any official statement as a response to the notice circulated by JUAC titled; “Code Remain at Home”, in which it directed its members to comply fully with the directive.
The notice states; “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 task force will be on ground to ensure full compliance,” it stated.
JUAC explained to the staff that its action was aimed at securing improved working conditions within the FCTA.
