FCTA operations disrupted as workers protest unpaid allowances, stalled promotions
Activities at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) came to a halt on Monday, June 30, as members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) staged a protest over unpaid allowances, salary inconsistencies, and the prolonged strike by primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory.
The protesting workers barricaded the gate to the Minister’s office, restricting access in and out, and called for the immediate dismissal of the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh.
Among their top grievances were the non-payment of salaries to certain categories of workers, delayed disbursement of wage awards for health personnel, irregular overhead releases, unpaid hazard allowances, and the stalling of career advancements for employees nearing retirement.
Addressing the protesters, JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer condemned the FCTA for failing to release overhead funds, which she said are essential for day-to-day operations.
“We cannot work when overhead is not released. Some officials even claim overhead is only for directors. That is false. It is used for office maintenance and work-related needs,” she said.
She also criticized the career stagnation affecting retiring staff, citing cases where promotions were not granted in time, thereby limiting workers’ advancement before retirement.
“If you were supposed to retire as an Assistant Director in 2024 but were not promoted in time, your career ends without reaching its full potential. That’s unjust,” she noted.
Iortyer further lamented the irregular payment of salaries.
“Every month, your salary changes. Today it’s one amount, tomorrow it’s different. I can’t even tell how much my salary is anymore,” she said.
On grievances within the health sector, she highlighted the unpaid hazard allowances owed to auxiliary staff, including cemetery and mortuary workers. She also criticized the sudden halting of salaries without prior notice.
“In this economy, you can’t just stop people’s pay without warning. That is the initiative of the Commission Chairman, and it’s wrong,” she added.
TUC pledges support, criticizes Wike
Also speaking at the protest, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), FCT Chapter, Audu Akogwu, expressed full support for the demonstration and labeled non-participating workers as “saboteurs.”
“FCTA workers are suffering. Staff buy pens and papers themselves to do their work. There’s no promotion for 2023 or 2024, no training, and no overhead,” he said.
Akogwu also took aim at FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of not doing enough to pressure Area Council Chairmen into resolving the ongoing teachers’ strike and local government salary disputes.
“Our children are out of school for over 100 days. You say bailout funds were released—how are they being used? As governor in Rivers, Wike controlled the LGs. Why can’t he act here?” he questioned.
He concluded by warning that the protest would escalate if their demands remained unmet.
“This is just a warning. If nothing changes, we’ll shut down all FCT offices. I will mobilize all TUC affiliates in Abuja,” he vowed.
