The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disclosed that it has met 10 out of the 14 demands presented by workers currently on strike, insisting that the remaining four issues are already receiving attention and do not justify the ongoing industrial action.
The Administration also revealed that some workers’ unions, including the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, have formally dissociated themselves from the strike, stressing that such workers must be allowed unhindered access to their offices to perform their lawful duties.
This position was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
According to the statement, the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCTA), had written to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, commending him for his “exemplary leadership and commitment to the welfare of healthcare workers,” particularly for the payment of the longstanding 13-month hazard allowance arrears and one month wage award.
Olayinka noted that top officials of the FCTA have held several meetings with leaders of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), including engagements over the weekend. He said that during a meeting held on Friday, January 16, the Minister clearly outlined all interventions made so far and never at any point expressed unwillingness to address workers’ concerns.
He explained that JUAC leaders were appealed to adopt dialogue, as the outstanding issues were not severe enough to warrant a strike. Among the key demands raised was the non-payment of five months’ wage award, payment of which, according to him, has already commenced.
He added that outstanding 13 months hazard allowance and 22 months rural allowance for health workers have been fully paid. Similarly, promotion arrears totaling ₦286,166,772.46, covering 724 officers across 24 Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs), were approved by the Minister in December 2025 and are currently being processed for payment.
On allegations of elongation of tenure of retired Directors and Permanent Secretaries, Olayinka said the issue has been resolved, with the Minister assuring strict compliance with the Public Service Rules.
He further stated that concerns over staff training and retraining have been addressed, as all SDAs have been directed to submit both general and specialized training needs to the Permanent Secretary, Common Services, for onward action by the Office of the Head of Service.
Addressing claims of non-remittance of National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions and pension contributions since May 2025, Olayinka clarified that the matter is the responsibility of workers themselves. Consequently, the Head of Service has constituted a committee comprising workers to holistically address all deduction and remittance issues.
On complaints regarding an alleged low pass rate in the promotion examination, he said figures presented by JUAC lacked official backing, and unions were advised to await the formal release of results as directed by the Minister.
He added that concerns over the overstay of overseeing directors are being resolved through the conduct of the 2023 promotion for eligible Deputy Directors, while the release of the 2024 promotion results by the FCT Civil Service Commission will conclusively address the issue.
“In all, it is clear that the FCT Minister has made concerted efforts to address workers’ demands and will continue to accord their welfare top priority,” Olayinka stated.
He therefore described the ongoing strike as unnecessary, ill-motivated and aimed at objectives other than the welfare of workers, calling on security agencies to ensure that staff who have chosen not to participate in the strike are allowed access to their offices without hindrance.