Unions threaten strike over unpaid wages, pensions, and welfare issues in FCT
Abuja, Nigeria — Labour unions operating under the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration, warning of possible industrial action over unresolved wage arrears, unpaid allowances, and worsening workers’ welfare conditions.
In a circular dated January 8, 2026, and titled “Call for Action,” the unions disclosed that the ultimatum was formally served on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, following what they described as the failure of authorities to address long-standing labour grievances despite repeated engagements.
The notice, signed by Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, JUAC President, and Comrade Abdullahi Umar Saleh, JUAC Secretary, stated that the action became effective from January 7, 2026.
JUAC confirmed that copies of the ultimatum were forwarded to key officials, including the FCT Minister of State, Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Head of Service (HOS), FCT, and the Director of Security Services, urging urgent intervention to avert a shutdown of government activities in the nation’s Capital
According to the unions, their demands include but are not limited to:
- Non-payment of five months’ wage award arrears
- Failure to release approved overhead costs for six months in 2025
- Non-remittance of National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions
- Non-remittance of pension contributions to workers’ PRAs since May 2025
- Unpaid 2023 promotion arrears
- Defective promotion examination process, with a reported pass rate of 22.5%
- Unpaid hazard and rural allowances for FCT health workers
- Staff intimidation and harassment, including restrictions on phone usage
- Non-payment of enforcement squads and street cleaners under AEPB and SDS
- Lack of staff transport system and housing scheme
- Overstayed overseeing directors and extension of tenure for retired officials
- Centralization of salary payment processes in the hands of a few individuals
- Revocation of JUAC Garden allocated in 2023
- Failure to upgrade the FCDA Information Office to a full-fledged department
- Refusal to grant financial autonomy to Permanent Secretaries and Heads of SDAs
JUAC warned that failure to address these issues at the expiration of the ultimatum would force the unions to activate further statutory actions in line with labour laws and established industrial relations procedures.
“All affiliate unions have been directed to sensitize their members, remain on high alert, and prepare for further directives should there be no positive response,” the statement read.
The unions urged workers across the FCT Administration to remain law-abiding, united, and resolute, stressing that their demands are aimed at promoting fairness, justice, and improved welfare for public servants in Abuja.
If carried out, an industrial action by FCT workers could significantly disrupt government operations and public services within the Federal Capital Territory.
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