The Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced a three-day protest scheduled to commence on Monday, June 30, 2025, and conclude on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. This action is in response to what the union describes as the FCT Minister’s persistent disregard for critical staff welfare and rights concerns. JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, issued a strongly worded statement titled “PROTEST!!! PROTEST!!! PROTEST!!!” urging all members and affiliated unions within the FCTA to mobilize and converge at the Minister’s Main Gate in Area 11, Garki, by 7:00 am each day of the protest. The statement underscores the seriousness of the situation, highlighting the Minister’s alleged refusal to address pressing issues affecting the workforce.
The core grievances fueling the protest revolve around several key areas of concern. Firstly, the union points to the stagnation in staff promotions, with no advancements having occurred since 2023. This lack of career progression has created widespread discontent and demoralization among employees. Secondly, unresolved salary administration problems have further exacerbated the situation, leading to inconsistencies and uncertainties in staff remuneration. Adding to this, the non-payment of various entitlements has placed an additional financial burden on FCTA employees.
Beyond these immediate financial concerns, the JUAC is also demanding fundamental structural changes within the administration. They are advocating for improvements in overall staff welfare, encompassing working conditions, benefits, and opportunities for professional development. Moreover, the union is calling for an end to deductions from salaries that they deem illegal, arguing that these deductions are further eroding their already strained finances. The demand for the removal of the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission highlights the union’s dissatisfaction with the current leadership and its perceived failure to address their concerns effectively.
The JUAC’s list of demands provides a comprehensive overview of the issues plaguing the FCTA workforce. Among these demands is the domestication of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). While IPPIS was intended to streamline payroll processes and enhance transparency, the union argues that its implementation within the FCTA has resulted in various challenges, including limited access for salary desk officers to the salary portal. This has hampered their ability to effectively manage and monitor salary payments, creating further administrative bottlenecks.
The union is also protesting the absence of overhead allocations since December 2024, which has severely impacted the day-to-day operations of various departments and hindered their ability to deliver essential services. Furthermore, they are demanding a halt to deductions for the National Housing Fund (NHF), arguing that these deductions are being made without proper authorization or transparency. The non-payment of five months of wage awards and health workers’ hazard allowance arrears has further aggravated the financial hardship faced by employees, particularly those working in high-risk environments.
Another critical concern raised by the union is the lack of training and retraining opportunities for FCTA staff. This has hindered professional development and prevented employees from acquiring the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively. The union argues that this neglect has a direct impact on service delivery and the overall efficiency of the FCTA. The issue of out-of-school FCTA primary school pupils underscores the broader impact of the ongoing issues within the administration. The union contends that the lack of adequate funding and support has negatively affected the education system, leaving many children without access to basic education. Finally, the non-payment of the AEPB enforcement squad highlights the administration’s failure to fulfill its obligations to its workforce, further fueling the discontent among employees.
The JUAC’s call for a three-day protest represents a significant escalation in its efforts to address the longstanding grievances within the FCTA. The union leadership is urging all members to participate actively in the protest, emphasizing the importance of collective action in achieving their demands. By gathering at the Minister’s Main Gate, they aim to make their voices heard and pressure the administration to take concrete steps to address the issues they have raised. The outcome of the protest remains to be seen, but it is clear that the JUAC is determined to pursue its demands and secure a better future for FCTA employees.
