FCTA Workers Announce Abuja Office Shutdown As Strike Begins January 19

Employees of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have announced plans to shut down government offices across Abuja and its area councils as an industrial strike begins on Monday, January 19, 2026.

The action was declared by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which instructed workers across all cadres within the FCT to withdraw their services, citing the authorities’ failure to resolve lingering labour and welfare-related grievances.

Confirming the development, the unions’ Public Relations Officer, Holina Adejoh said on Friday that the strike would proceed as planned.

“Yes, we are embarking on a strike on Monday,” she said.

The strike is expected to disrupt operations across all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals, effectively paralysing government activities within the Federal Capital Territory.

Findings by indicate that the decision followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to FCTA management, which reportedly elapsed without a response, despite several meetings held during the notice period.

The ultimatum, which took effect on January 7, 2026, was outlined in a statement dated January 8 and jointly signed by JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary Abdullahi Saleh.

Copies of the notice were also sent to key officials, including the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, and the Director of Security Services.

According to the unions, their unresolved demands include unpaid promotion arrears, delayed promotions, and the continued extension of service for directors and permanent secretaries who are due for retirement.

They also accused the administration of failing to remit pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions on behalf of workers.

JUAC further expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the process as unsuccessful and alleging that it negatively affected a majority of its members.

As of the time this report was filed, attempts to obtain a response from FCT authorities were unsuccessful, as the media aide to the FCT Head of Office, Tony Odey, did not return calls.