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FCTA Workers Dismiss Management’s Claims, Insist Strike Remains in Force
Striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), operating under the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC), have rejected claims by the administration that most of their demands have been addressed, insisting that the ongoing industrial action remains firmly in place.
The workers described assertions that 10 out of their 14 demands had been met as misleading and untrue. In a disclaimer dated January 19, 2026, and signed by the Secretary of JUAC–FCTA, Comrade Abdullahi Umar Saleh, the union said it outrightly dissociates itself from the claims, accusing the management of attempting to misinform both workers and the general public.
According to JUAC, no formal agreement has been reached with FCTA management on any of the demands submitted by the union. It maintained that statements suggesting progress on issues such as the payment of wage awards, rural allowance, promotion arrears for 2023, and compliance with Public Service Rules are false, premature, and intended to create a false impression of resolution.
The union stressed that it has neither suspended nor relaxed the strike, noting that none of the core demands has been conclusively implemented or independently verified. It also dismissed references to comments attributed to the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA), stating that such remarks do not reflect the collective position of workers under JUAC and cannot be used to justify claims that the dispute has been resolved.
JUAC further listed several unresolved issues, including outstanding promotion arrears, non-remittance of National Housing Fund and pension deductions, alleged illegal tenure extensions, a flawed promotion examination process, staff intimidation, inadequate training opportunities, and restrictions related to the salary payment portal.
The union also faulted what it described as attempts by the FCTA management to shift responsibility for statutory deductions onto workers, describing the move as unacceptable and contrary to established public service financial regulations.
Maintaining that the strike is lawful and justified, JUAC said due process was followed, including the issuance and expiration of a seven-day ultimatum before the action commenced. It urged staff, the public, and the media to disregard the administration’s claims, insisting they do not reflect the true state of affairs.
The union called on workers to remain united and resolute, while urging FCTA management to abandon what it termed propaganda and engage in sincere dialogue, stressing that it remains open to genuine negotiations but will not yield to misinformation, intimidation, or divide-and-rule tactics.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.