The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said it has met 10 of the 14 demands raised by striking workers, describing the industrial action as “unnecessary and ill-motivated.”
Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, confirmed in a statement on Monday in Abuja that the remaining four demands were under consideration and would be addressed.
He added that some employees under various unions, such as the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, had dissociated themselves from the strike and should be allowed to perform their duties.
Olayinka highlighted that the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCTA), had praised Minister Nyesom Wike for paying 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears and a one-month wage award, recognising his commitment to workers’ welfare.
The FCTA said it had held multiple meetings with union leaders, including over the weekend, to discuss the demands and interventions by the minister. All pending wage awards, hazard and rural allowances, and promotion arrears were either paid or being processed, including N286.17 million for 724 officers across 24 departments.
Other issues raised included staff training, National Housing Fund and pension remittances, promotion examinations, and tenure of retired directors. The FCTA said all these concerns were being addressed through appropriate channels.
Olayinka urged workers to rely on dialogue rather than strike action, stating that the minister had prioritised staff welfare. Security agencies have been instructed to allow non-striking employees access to their offices to continue official duties.
