Workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) have embarked on an indefinite strike, resulting in the closure of government offices across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its area councils.

The strike follows a prior warning issued last Friday, when the workers announced their intention to down tools over unresolved labour and welfare-related concerns.

The industrial action was initiated by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), which instructed employees at all levels within the FCT public service to withdraw their services.

JUAC accused the FCTA authorities of failing to address long-standing demands, noting that the strike commenced after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the administration.

According to the unions, several engagements were held with management during the ultimatum period, but none yielded tangible outcomes.

The ultimatum, which began on January 7, 2026, was formally communicated in a statement dated January 8 and jointly signed by the JUAC President, Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, and the Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Saleh.

The notice was also copied to key officials, including the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service, and the Director of Security Services.

Among the grievances outlined by the unions are unpaid promotion arrears, delays in staff promotions, and the continued service extensions granted to directors and permanent secretaries who are due for retirement.

JUAC also alleged that the administration has failed to remit statutory deductions, including pension contributions and National Housing Fund payments.

In addition, the unions raised concerns over the handling of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the process as poorly managed and unfair to many affected workers.