Wike Blasts FCTA Workers: ’10 of 14 Demands Met, Yet They Refuse Dialogue’

By Tgnews Reporter

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has strongly criticized striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), accusing them of rejecting meaningful dialogue despite the resolution of the majority of their demands.

The industrial action, which commenced today under the auspices of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), has paralyzed operations across key FCTA and FCDA offices in Abuja, with workers shutting down the secretariat and other facilities in protest over longstanding welfare issues.

In a sharp response issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCTA stated that 10 out of the 14 demands presented by the unions have already been fully met. These include: Payment of 13 months of outstanding hazard allowance arrears; Settlement of one month’s wage award; Full payment of five months’ outstanding wage award; Clearance of 22 months’ rural allowance for health workers; Approval and impending payment of N286 million in 2023 promotion arrears and Other welfare-related interventions

The statement emphasized that multiple high-level meetings were held with union leaders, including sessions on Friday, January 16, as well as over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday), to address the grievances. It highlighted the Minister’s demonstrated willingness to resolve all outstanding issues through continued engagement.

Despite these efforts, the workers proceeded with the indefinite strike, prompting the FCTA to describe the action as unnecessary and a refusal to embrace ongoing dialogue.

The administration noted appreciation from groups such as the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA), which commended Minister Wike for his “exemplary leadership” in handling health workers’ welfare concerns.

The strike follows an earlier seven-day ultimatum issued by the unions in early January, amid accusations of delays in promotion exercises, non-payment of certain arrears, and alleged non-compliance with public service rules on director tenures and staff training.

Public reactions on social media have been mixed, with some critics accusing the Minister of prioritizing political engagements in Rivers State over FCT administrative duties, while others view the strike as evidence of unresolved tensions dating back to previous labor actions under the current administration.

As the shutdown disrupts services in the nation’s capital, stakeholders are calling for urgent renewed negotiations to avert prolonged disruption.

The FCTA has reiterated its commitment to addressing the remaining four demands through established channels, urging the workers to return to the dialogue table.