FCT Workers Protest Unpaid Wages, Demand Sack Of Civil Service Chair

Activities at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) came to a halt on Monday as members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) protested against unpaid allowances, unresolved salary issues, and the ongoing strike by FCT primary school teachers.

The protesting workers blocked access to the minister’s office, preventing entry and exit, and demanded the immediate removal of Emeka Ezeh, chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission.

Key issues raised by the workers included unpaid salaries for certain staff categories, withheld wage increments for health workers, delayed release of operational funds, non-payment of hazard allowances, and stalled career progression for retiring employees.

JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer criticized the FCTA for withholding overhead funds vital for daily operations.

“We cannot function without overhead. Contrary to some claims that overhead is only for directors, it is actually meant for office maintenance and essential work-related expenses,” she said.

She also highlighted the unfair career stagnation faced by retirees who missed out on timely promotions. “If you were due to retire as an assistant director in 2024 but did not receive the promotion, your career ends prematurely. This is unjust,” Iortyer added.

Iortyer further expressed frustration over inconsistent salary payments. “Our salaries fluctuate monthly — one month it’s one amount, the next month it changes. I no longer know what my salary truly is,” she lamented.

On health sector issues, she noted that hazard allowances owed to auxiliary staff such as cemetery and mortuary workers remain unpaid. She condemned the sudden salary stoppages, stating, “Stopping salaries without notice is unacceptable and was initiated by the Commission Chairman.”

TUC Supports Protest, Criticizes Minister Wike

Audu Akogwu, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), FCT chapter, pledged full support for the protest, labelling workers who refused to join as “saboteurs”.

“FCTA workers are struggling. They purchase basic supplies like pens and paper with their own money. There have been no promotions for 2023 and 2024, no training, and no overhead funds,” Akogwu said.

He also criticized FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for not exerting pressure on Area Council Chairmen to resolve the teachers’ strike and salary issues in local governments.

“Our children have been out of school for over 100 days. Although bailout funds were reportedly released, how are they being utilized? As a former governor of Rivers, Wike controlled local governments — why can’t he intervene here?” he questioned.

Akogwu warned that the protest was only a beginning and vowed to escalate the action if demands were ignored.

“This is a warning. If no improvements occur, we will shut down all FCT offices. I will rally all TUC affiliates in Abuja to join us,” he declared.