FCTA Workers Protest Unpaid Salaries at Minister’s Office

    Abuja, Nigeria: Staff under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), on Monday staged a protest at the office of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over unpaid salaries, withheld hazard allowances, and other unresolved welfare issues.

The protesters, who blocked access to the Minister’s office in Abuja, are also demanding the dismissal of Emeka Ezeh, Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission. The demonstration is part of a three-day warning protest scheduled from June 30 to July 2, as earlier announced by JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer.

Addressing the workers, Iortyer accused the FCT administration of neglecting critical staff welfare matters, including the non-payment of overhead costs, unresolved promotion arrears for retired staff, and inconsistencies in salary payments. She lamented that the lack of operational funds had left workers unable to carry out basic administrative duties.

“Overhead releases are essential for day-to-day office operations. When officials ask whether overhead is meant only for directors, it shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how government offices function,” she said.

Iortyer further criticised the administration’s failure to process pending promotions for staff who retired as far back as 2024, stating that many had lost their rightful career progression due to administrative inertia.

“There’s no clarity on salaries anymore—figures change from month to month. Even I cannot tell you what my exact salary is,” she added.

She also condemned the non-payment of hazard allowance arrears to health workers, including enforcement and cemetery staff, alleging that their wages were stopped without due process by the Civil Service Commission Chairman.

In support of the protest, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), FCT Chapter, Audu Akogwu, slammed the suspension of overhead funds and the lack of basic office materials, saying that many workers now purchase their own stationery to perform official duties.

Akogwu also faulted Minister Wike for failing to hold Area Council Chairmen accountable over the prolonged strike by FCT primary school teachers and other local government staff, which has lasted over 100 days.

“Schools are closed, children are on the streets, and yet there’s no accountability for the bailout funds reportedly given to the councils. If he controlled Local Governments as a governor in Rivers, why can’t he do the same here?” Akogwu queried.

He warned that the ongoing protest was only a preliminary action. If grievances remain unresolved after the three-day demonstration, the unions will mobilize to shut down all FCTA offices across Abuja.

“This is a warning. After the third day, we will begin a total shutdown of FCT operations. I will rally all TUC affiliate unions to ensure every FCT office is closed,” Akogwu declared.

By Enoch odesola/ June 30,2025