Workers employed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have commenced an indefinite strike action set to begin on Monday, January 19, 2026, after months of unresolved labour and welfare issues, union leaders said on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The work stoppage is expected to close government offices across Abuja and its area councils.
The strike directive was issued by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which represents a broad coalition of FCTA employees. Holina Adejoh, the Public Relations Officer of JUAC, confirmed that the walk-out will affect staff across all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils and parastatals.
“Yes, we are embarking on a strike on Monday,” Adejoh told Punch Online, noting that union members will withdraw services until their grievances are addressed.
The unions said the decision came after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to FCTA management from January 7, 2026, which they said yielded no meaningful response despite several meetings with officials during that period.
Among the key grievances listed by the workers are unpaid promotion arrears, stalled or delayed promotions, and the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries without clear terms.
They also alleged that the FCTA has failed to remit workers’ pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions, affecting their long-term benefits.
In addition, the unions expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the process as flawed and harmful to many eligible staff members.
The planned strike is likely to paralyse public services in Abuja, with government operations across the territory expected to halt unless a resolution is reached between union representatives and the FCTA leadership.
Efforts by Daily Trust to obtain an official response from FCTA authorities, including the Minister of State for the FCT, Chief of Staff, Head of Service and other senior officials, remained unsuccessful as of press time, with calls to media aides not returned.
Union leaders said the industrial action will continue until the FCTA addresses the unresolved matters and begins meaningful talks with staff representatives. The strike’s impact on public services and residents in the Federal Capital Territory will be closely monitored in the coming days.
