FCTA WORKERS BARRICADE MINISTER’S OFFICE OVER UNPAID SALARIES, TEACHERS’ STRIKE. (PHOTO).

 FCTA Workers Barricade Minister’s Office Over Unpaid Salaries, Teachers’ Strike

Hundreds of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers, led by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), stormed the office of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Monday, protesting unpaid salaries, suspended hazard allowances, and unresolved welfare issues affecting civil servants and public school teachers.

The demonstration follows a 100-day strike by primary school teachers under the Local Education Authorities, triggered by the Area Council Chairmen’s failure to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage. The workers also demanded the immediate dismissal of Emeka Ezeh, Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, accusing him of administrative overreach and wage suppression.

JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer highlighted the non-release of overhead funds for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), which she said has paralyzed administrative operations. She criticized the lack of promotions for eligible staff, irregular salary payments, and a March 10 directive allegedly issued by Ezeh to halt salaries of auxiliary staff without due process. “Workers are suffering. Overhead costs are unpaid, retirees are denied promotions, and salary amounts fluctuate without explanation,” Iortyer stated. She also noted that health workers, mortuary staff, cemetery workers, and enforcement units have been neglected, with hazard allowance arrears unpaid.

Audu Akogwu, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) FCT Chapter, accused Minister Wike of failing to hold Area Council Chairmen accountable. “Workers are buying their own paper and pens to work. There have been no promotions since 2023, no training, and our children are out of school because of the teachers’ strike. Where is the bailout for the Area Councils?” Akogwu questioned. He warned that TUC affiliates would shut down FCTA operations entirely if demands remain unmet after three days.

The protest, set to continue through July 2, has sealed off the FCT Minister’s office. No official response has been issued by the FCTA as tensions escalate.