Activities at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) came to a standstill on Monday morning following the commencement of an indefinite strike by workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
The strike, which began early in the day, saw the main entrances of the FCTA secretariat complex locked and chained, preventing staff and members of the public from gaining access. By 8:00 a.m., the usually busy headquarters was completely deserted.
The industrial action followed a circular issued late Sunday by JUAC leadership, directing workers to stay away from work in full compliance with the strike order. The notice, titled “Code Remain at Home,” warned that union taskforces would be deployed to ensure total adherence.
“By this notice, all staff are advised to stay at home as the strike action declared by JUAC commences. Do not come to work because JUAC taskforce will be on ground to ensure compliance. Aluta Continua! Victoria Acerta!” the circular read.
Speaking at the sealed entrance of the complex, a JUAC official who requested anonymity described the strike as unavoidable, citing prolonged neglect of workers’ concerns.
“We have been pushed to the wall. Our demands for improved working conditions have been ignored for too long. We will remain at home until our grievances are addressed,” the official said.
A visit to the premises confirmed a complete shutdown of administrative activities, with union taskforces monitoring entry points and no visible movement within the complex.
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Although the unions are yet to publicly outline their full demands, sources indicated that the strike centers on unresolved welfare issues, conditions of service, and the non-implementation of previously agreed benefits.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the FCTA nor the FCDA management had issued an official response, a development that has heightened concerns among residents and civil servants.
“This is a serious disruption. If it continues, critical services like land administration and public utilities coordination will be affected. Abuja’s administrative engine has effectively stalled,” a civil servant turned away from the complex said.
The strike has raised fears of widespread disruption of essential services across the Federal Capital Territory, with no clear timeline yet for negotiations or resolution.