Workers at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday closed the Secretariat gates as they commenced an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare concerns.
The strike involves staff under the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), who have long been pressing for urgent action to address issues affecting their morale and productivity.
The union president, Mrs Rifkatu Iortyer, told journalists that key grievances include non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions, delays in salary and overhead payments, and non-payment for officers of the Abuja Environment Protection Board and Social Development Secretariat tasked with enforcing policies.
Other concerns highlighted by Iortyer include the unlawful centralisation of salary preparation, absence of financial thresholds for Permanent Secretaries and Heads of SDAs, and prolonged tenures for some retired directors and Permanent Secretaries.
She further listed unpaid wage awards, promotion arrears, poor working conditions, staff intimidation, and lack of training opportunities as additional issues affecting workers.
Iortyer also noted that the workers rejected the mass failures recorded in the 2024 promotion examination, demanding that the results be reviewed.
She stressed that these issues are longstanding and have caused significant hardship and frustration for employees who have dedicated their careers to public service.
The union president said the Secretariat gates would remain closed until satisfactory solutions are provided.
“Although management has called for a meeting, we will not participate until the right officials are present to engage in meaningful discussions,” she said.
JUAC had previously staged a similar protest in June 2025, temporarily closing the Secretariat gates to press the administration to resolve the lingering welfare concerns.