Staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have called off their three-day protest, which began on June 28, 2025, over unpaid salaries, striking teachers, and delayed wage awards.
The workers, under the aegis of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), announced the suspension on June 30, 2025, but issued a stern 21-day ultimatum to the FCT authorities to address their grievances or face renewed industrial action.
The protest, which disrupted activities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was sparked by months of unpaid salaries for some FCTA workers, the ongoing strike by primary school teachers, and the non-implementation of wage awards approved by the federal government.
The workers also demanded the immediate removal of the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, accusing the leadership of mismanagement and failure to address critical welfare issues.
JUAC President, Comrade Matilukuro Oluwakorede, addressed a press conference in Abuja on June 30, stating, “We have suspended the protest to allow for dialogue, but the government must act swiftly. Our members are suffering, and the situation is untenable. If our demands are not met within 21 days, we will resume industrial action, and it will be more intense.”
The workers’ demands include the immediate payment of all outstanding salaries, the resolution of the teachers’ strike, and the implementation of the approved wage awards.
Additionally, they called for reforms in the FCT Civil Service Commission to ensure transparency and accountability in its operations. The ultimatum has put pressure on FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the commission’s leadership to address the issues promptly.
The protest saw significant participation from FCTA staff across various departments, with demonstrators blocking key access roads to the FCTA Secretariat and staging peaceful marches in the capital city.
The action drew attention to the plight of civil servants, particularly teachers, who have been on strike for weeks, disrupting primary education in the FCT.
Residents of Abuja have expressed mixed reactions to the situation. While some sympathize with the workers’ plight, others have raised concerns about the impact of the teachers’ strike on students and the broader implications of the protest on administrative services in the FCT.
An FCTA spokesperson, in response to the ultimatum, assured that the government is engaging with the unions to resolve the issues.
“The FCT Administration is committed to addressing the concerns of its workers. We are in discussions with relevant stakeholders to ensure a lasting solution,” the spokesperson said.
As the 21-day ultimatum counts down, all eyes are on the FCT Administration to see how it will navigate this crisis. Failure to meet the workers’ demands could lead to significant disruptions in the Federal Capital Territory, further straining relations between the government and its workforce.
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