Government activities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were disrupted on Monday following the commencement of an industrial action by workers under the Joint Union Action Congress.
The action followed an earlier announcement by the unions on Friday, in which they declared plans to shut down government offices across the FCT and its six area councils.
The decision to withdraw services was taken after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the management of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, which the unions said was met with silence.
It was gathered that the ultimatum, which took effect from January 7, 2026, elapsed despite a series of meetings held within the period.
The notice was contained in a statement dated January 8 and jointly signed by the JUAC President, Comrade Rifkatu Iortyer, and the Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Saleh.
Copies of the ultimatum were also forwarded to the Minister of State for the FCT, the Chief of Staff, the Head of Service and the Director of Security Services.
According to the unions, workers were directed to down tools due to what they described as the authorities’ “failure to address long-standing labour and welfare demands.”
Among the unresolved issues listed by JUAC are outstanding promotion arrears, stalled promotions, and the continued extension of service for retired directors and permanent secretaries.
The unions also alleged that the administration had failed to remit workers’ pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions.
JUAC further raised concerns over the conduct of the 2024 promotion examinations, describing the exercise as a failure that reportedly affected a large number of candidates.