The Joint Union Action Congress of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (JUAC-FCTA) has strongly rejected claims by the FCTA management that most of the workers’ demands have been resolved, describing the narrative as misleading and unsupported by facts.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh, JUAC distanced itself from a press release attributed to the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, which claimed that 10 out of 14 demands raised by workers had been met. According to the union, “No formal agreement has been reached between JUAC and the FCTA management on any of the demands presented.”
JUAC specifically countered claims that payments such as wage awards, rural allowances, promotion arrears, and compliance with Public Service Rules had been settled, insisting that these assertions are “false, premature, and intended to misinform the public and staff.” The union also clarified that it has not suspended or relaxed the ongoing industrial action, stressing that none of the core demands has been conclusively implemented or independently verified.
The union listed several outstanding issues, including unpaid promotion arrears, pension and NHF remittances, alleged illegal tenure elongation, flaws in the promotion examination process, intimidation of staff, and restrictions on the salary portal. It further criticised attempts by management to shift responsibility for statutory deductions to workers, describing such moves as contrary to public service financial regulations.
On the legality of the strike, JUAC maintained that due process was followed after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum, adding that the action remains lawful and justified. It urged workers and the public to disregard the FCTA’s claims and remain united until all demands are fully addressed.
This reaction comes amid an indefinite strike that began on Monday, shutting down government activities across Abuja, including the FCTA Secretariat, as reported by PUNCH Online. Source: PUNCH Online – FCTA strike coverage https://punchng.com
Meanwhile, the FCTA, in its own statement signed by Olayinka, maintained that significant progress had been made, citing ongoing payments of allowances and promotion arrears, and the constitution of committees to address pension and NHF issues. The administration described the strike as unnecessary and called on security agencies to ensure access for workers who choose not to participate.
Despite this, JUAC insists it remains open to genuine dialogue, urging the FCTA management to abandon propaganda and engage sincerely with workers to resolve the lingering issues.
Related: FCTA official statements and updates
https://fcta.gov.ng
