The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has announced that 10 of the 14 demands raised by striking workers have been met, while efforts are ongoing to address the remaining four.
In a statement on Monday, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, said FCTA officials have held multiple meetings with union leaders, including sessions over the weekend, to discuss workers’ grievances.
The FCTA emphasized that some workers, including members of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, have dissociated themselves from the strike and should be allowed access to their offices to carry out their duties.
It noted that the Association of Resident Doctors, FCT, ARD-FCTA, commended the minister, Nyesom Wike for his “exemplary leadership,” particularly for the payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears and one month’s wage award.
According to the statement, several key demands have already been addressed, including – payment of outstanding five months’ wage award and full payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance and 22 months’ rural allowance for health workers.
It added that payment of promotion arrears for 724 officers across 24 SDAs totaling N286,166,772.46 has been approved and is being processed.
“Issues concerning the extension of tenure of retired directors and permanent secretaries have been resolved, with strict compliance with Public Service Rules assured.
“Training and retraining needs for staff have been directed to the Office of the Head of Service for necessary action.
“Other issues, including the remittance of National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions and pension contributions, are being addressed by a worker-led committee.
“Concerns over the promotion examination process and the overstay of overseeing directors are also under review, with results from the 2023 and 2024 promotions expected to address these matters conclusively.”
Olayinka appealed to striking union leaders to adopt dialogue in resolving pending issues, stressing that the administration remains committed to the welfare of its workers.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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