Public primary schools and local health centres across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remain firmly shut as the indefinite strike by workers under the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) stretches into its ninth day, leaving pupils at home and residents without essential medical services.
The industrial action, which began on January 19, 2026, has paralysed operations in many area councils, with the FCT chapters of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) joining in solidarity on Monday to amplify pressure on the FCT Administration.
Truth Live News gathered that the Daily Post correspondent, who visited several area councils, observed locked public primary schools and unattended local health centres, where residents seeking care were turned away. Parents and community members have lamented the prolonged disruption to education and healthcare.
JUAC Secretary Abdullahi Saleh issued a circular directing members to sustain the strike from Thursday, urging workers to “stay at home and pray for the success of the strike,” while stressing that “the struggle demands unity, discipline and unwavering commitment.”
The strike persists despite a January 27, 2026, ruling by the National Industrial Court ordering suspension of the action pending determination of a suit filed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the FCTA. The unions appealed the decision through lead counsel Femi Falana (SAN), and the matter stands adjourned to March 23, 2026.
JUAC and supporting bodies, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), insist the court’s interlocutory injunction targets only JUAC President Mrs Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary Saleh not the broader trade unions allowing the strike to continue lawfully until negotiations commence.
In a joint communique dated January 28, signed by NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro, the labour centres urged FCT workers to “defend their rights with courage and dignity” and declared that “the strike continues until Wike negotiates with the FCT workers.”
The ongoing standoff highlights deep-seated grievances, with unions accusing the FCTA of breach of trust, inaction, and deliberate demoralisation of the workforce through unresolved demands. While some routine duties resumed at select FCTA offices like the Secretariat, FCDA, and AGIS, JUAC has maintained its hardline stance.
The prolonged closure of schools and health facilities has sparked growing public frustration in the nation’s capital, raising concerns over the impact on children’s education and vulnerable residents’ access to basic healthcare amid the unresolved labour dispute.
