Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), on Monday shut the gates of the FCTA Secretariat in Area 11, Abuja, to protest unresolved welfare concerns. The protest, set to last three days, demands urgent government action on issues including non-payment of overhead costs since December 2024, irregular salary payments, lack of staff training, stalled promotions, and unpaid allowances for casual workers, particularly those from the Abuja Environmental Protection Board.
JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer condemned the persistent neglect of workers’ welfare despite some administrative reforms, calling for immediate intervention by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. She warned that if no response is received within three days, the union would consider escalating the protest.
The workers also highlighted the ongoing strike by primary healthcare workers and teachers, urging the minister to resolve these crises. The protestors demanded the removal of the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, citing poor management and failure to address salary and promotion issues.
Union leaders emphasized the detrimental impact of withheld overhead funds on daily operations, with workers forced to borrow basic office supplies. They decried the suspension of salary payments to essential casual workers who maintain public sanitation and services.
The protest has effectively grounded activities at the secretariat, with no official response from FCTA authorities as of the report. The union has vowed to intensify actions if their demands remain unmet, underscoring the urgency of addressing the welfare and operational challenges crippling the FCTA workforce.
