Workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration have declared that government offices across Abuja and its area councils will be shut down from Monday, January 19, 2026, as they begin an indefinite strike.
The Joint Union Action Congress said the industrial action became inevitable after what it described as persistent neglect of workers’ welfare and unresolved labour issues by FCT authorities.
Confirming the move on Friday, the unions’ Public Relations Officer, Holina Adejoh, said workers at all levels had been directed to stay away from their duties starting next week.
The strike is expected to affect all FCTA ministries, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals, bringing official activities in the territory to a standstill.
The decision followed the lapse of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT management, which expired without any meaningful response, despite several engagements during the period.
The notice, signed by JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary Abdullahi Saleh, had also been 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.
Among the grievances listed by the unions are unpaid promotion arrears, delays in career progression, and the continued retention of retired directors and permanent secretaries in service.
They also accused the administration of failing to remit workers’ pension contributions and deductions to the National Housing Fund.
The unions further criticised the conduct of the 2024 promotion examinations, claiming that the process was flawed and negatively affected many of their members.
Attempts to get a response from the FCT authorities were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the media aide of the FCT Head of Office, Tony Odey, were not returned before publication.
