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• FCT doctors laud Wike for clearing 13-month hazard allowance arrears, wage award
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has dismissed as “misleading propaganda” a press release by FCTA management claiming that 10 out of 14 workers’ demands have been met.
In a rebuttal issued on Monday night, JUAC Secretary Abdullahi Umar Saleh categorically rejected the statement from Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the FCT minister, that no formal agreements exist on any demands.
“No formal agreement has been reached between JUAC and FCTA management on any of the demands presented,” the statement declared, labeling claims of wage awards, rural allowances, 2023 promotion arrears, and Public Service Rules compliance as “false, premature, and intended to misinform the public and staff.”
JUAC stressed that the strike remains firmly in place, with core issues like unpaid promotion arrears, National Housing Fund (NHF) and pension remittances, illegal tenure elongation, flawed promotion exams, staff intimidation, training deficits, and salary portal restrictions still unresolved.
The union also distanced itself from a statement by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA), clarifying it does not reflect the collective workers’ position, and condemned management’s bid to shift statutory deductions to staff as a violation of public service regulations.
Describing the action as “lawful, justified, and in full compliance with labour laws” following a seven-day ultimatum, JUAC urged staff, the public, and media to ignore FCTA’s narrative. It called on management to end “propaganda” and engage sincerely, while pledging openness to dialogue but rejecting “misinformation, intimidation, or divide-and-rule tactics.” “All staff should remain resolute, united, and committed to the collective struggle until all demands are fully implemented,” the rebuttal concluded.
Meanwhile, the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCTA), has praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his “exemplary leadership” in disbursing long-overdue welfare payments to healthcare workers.
According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, in a letter dated January 15, 2026, signed by ARD-FCTA President Dr. George Ebong and General Secretary Dr. Yusuf Lissa, the doctors commended Wike for settling 13 months of hazard allowance arrears and one month’s wage award. The gesture highlights Wike’s focus on equity amid ongoing healthcare challenges in the territory.
“We write to formally express our profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister, HE. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for your exemplary leadership and commitment to the welfare of healthcare workers, as demonstrated by the payment of the longstanding 13 months hazard allowance arrears as well as the payment of one month wage award,” the letter stated. “This timely intervention underscores your dedication to equity, fairness, and the recognition of the sacrifices made by doctors and other health workers in the course of service in the FCTA,” it added.
The association pledged continued collaboration to boost the FCT health sector and improve service delivery. They also thanked key officials, including Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Acting Head of Service Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, Chairman FCT Civil Service Commission Engr. Emeka Ezeh, Mandate Secretary for Health Services Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, and several permanent secretaries and directors.
