By Esther Ososanya
Staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday staged a protest at the FCTA Secretariat in Area 11, Abuja, over what they described as persistent neglect of staff welfare and rights.
The aggrieved workers, under the aegis of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), carried placards with bold inscriptions such as “Non-payment of AEPB Enforcement Squad”, “Inaccessibility of the salary portal to salary desk officers”, and “Withheld salaries and allowances of workers for over 6 months”.
Addressing journalists during the protest, JUAC President, Mrs. Rifkatu Iortyer, said several letters had been written to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, since 2023, seeking intervention on the issues, but with no positive response.
Workers Set Three-Day Ultimatum for Government Response
“We have been patient for too long. We’ve written letters, appealed, and engaged authorities, but our concerns have been ignored. This protest is our next line of action, and we are giving the administration three days to act,” Iortyer stated.
Among their demands are the immediate payment of a five-month wage award, release of delayed teachers’ allowances and salaries, stoppage of National Housing Fund deductions, and prompt commencement of staff promotions due in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The union also called for the reinstatement of routine training and retraining of staff across the administration.
Union Threatens to Escalate if Demands Are Ignored
Iortyer warned that failure to address these demands within the stipulated timeframe would compel the union to escalate its actions.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
