The Federal Capital Territory Administration has said that most of the demands raised by workers currently on strike have already been addressed, while efforts are ongoing to resolve the remaining issues.
The administration stated that 10 out of the 14 demands presented by the Joint Union Action Committee have been met. It added that discussions are still ongoing on the remaining four demands with the aim of resolving them through dialogue.
The FCTA explained that some workers under different unions, including members of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, have chosen not to take part in the strike. According to the administration, such workers should be allowed access to their offices to carry out their lawful duties without obstruction.
It was also disclosed that the Association of Resident Doctors in the FCT wrote to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to express appreciation for steps taken to improve the welfare of health workers. These steps include the payment of long-standing 13-month hazard allowance arrears and one month wage award.
The Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said senior officials of the FCTA have held several meetings with union leaders, including meetings held over the weekend. He said that during a meeting with JUAC leaders on Friday, January 16, the demands of the workers and the actions already taken by the minister were clearly explained.
According to him, the minister did not show unwillingness to address any of the demands. Union leaders were advised that the remaining issues did not justify a strike and that continued dialogue would be a better way to resolve outstanding concerns.
On specific demands, the FCTA said payment of the outstanding five months wage award has already started. It added that the 13-month hazard allowance and 22 months rural allowance owed to health workers have been fully paid.
The administration also addressed concerns about unpaid promotion arrears. It said arrears totaling over N286 million, covering 724 officers across 24 secretariats, departments, and agencies, were approved by the minister in December 2025 and are being processed for payment.
Issues related to the extension of tenure of retired directors and permanent secretaries were said to have been resolved, with assurances that public service rules would be strictly followed. On staff training, all departments have been directed to submit their training needs for further action by the appropriate authorities.
Regarding deductions such as pension contributions and National Housing Fund payments, the FCTA said a committee made up of workers has been set up to address the matter. It also dismissed claims of irregularities in the promotion examination process, advising union leaders to wait for the official release of results.
The administration maintained that actions already taken show commitment to workers’ welfare and described the ongoing strike as unnecessary. It called on security agencies to ensure that workers who are not part of the strike are allowed to access their offices and perform their duties without interference.