FCTA, FCDA workers begin strike, shut down offices

Abuja monument

Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority on Monday began an indefinite strike, shutting down government activities across Abuja.

The industrial action led to the closure of government offices, including the FCTA Secretariat, where heavy security was deployed early in the day.

When our correspondent visited the secretariat at about 8:10 a.m., personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police Force were stationed at the entrance, preventing workers from gaining access.

A security personnel, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “Staff of FCDA, FCTA are not allowed into the office premises because of the strike.”

The strike is expected to disrupt activities across all FCTA Secretariat, departments, agencies, area councils and parastatals within the FCT.

The action followed an earlier notice issued by workers on Friday, announcing plans to shut down government offices across the FCT and its area councils.

The decision was taken by the Joint Union Action Congress, which directed workers in all cadres to withdraw their services over what it described as the authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare issues. Punch