Administrative operations in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) came to a complete standstill on Monday, January 19, 2026, following the commencement of an indefinite strike by civil servants. The industrial action, called by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), has effectively grounded activities at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
Total Shutdown Enforced at Secretariat Complex
From the early hours of Monday, the main gates of the FCTA/FCDA Secretariat were firmly shut, barring entry to employees and visitors alike. By 7:00 a.m., the complex was inaccessible, with reports indicating the closure of several key departments and agencies within the secretariat. This drastic measure followed a late-night circular issued by JUAC leadership on Sunday, directing all staff to "remain at home" in full compliance with the strike directive.
The union's notice, explicitly titled "Code: Remain at Home," warned workers against attempting to report for duty. It stated that a JUAC task force had been mobilized to patrol the premises and ensure total adherence to the industrial action. The circular advised all staff to stay away from work until further notice, framing the strike as a necessary escalation in the ongoing struggle for improved working conditions within the FCTA.
Management's Silence and Service Disruption Concerns
As of the time of reporting, the management of the FCTA had not issued an official statement or response to the strike action. This silence has heightened concerns about the potential for prolonged disruption to essential administrative services in Abuja. With the secretariat complex locked down and no official activities visible, the strike has already caused significant operational paralysis.
The development raises urgent questions about the resolution of the workers' grievances and the timeline for restoring normalcy to the capital's administrative heartbeat. The indefinite nature of the strike suggests that union leaders are prepared for a protracted engagement if their demands are not met promptly.
Broader Context of Labour Unrest in the FCT
This strike occurs against a backdrop of recent labour tensions within the territory. Legit.ng had previously reported protests at the office of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, concerning the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage for area council workers. During that incident, a large group of protesters, including health workers and teachers, marched to demand action, leading Wike to summon area council chairmen for explanations.
Furthermore, the FCTA had earlier in November ordered the closure of all public senior secondary schools in Abuja due to security concerns, highlighting a period of significant administrative challenges. The current strike by core administrative staff represents a deepening of these governance issues, directly impacting the day-to-day functioning of the federal capital's bureaucracy.
The situation remains fluid, with citizens and businesses awaiting a formal response from the FCTA management and hoping for a swift negotiation to end the impasse and restore critical public services.
