There was tension and frustration at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Complex in Abuja on Monday morning as hundreds of civil servants took to the gates in protest, locking out operations and demanding the removal of FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The workers—drawn from different departments within the FCTA—say they are tired of enduring what they call “worsening conditions” under the minister’s leadership. According to them, unpaid wages, promotion delays, poor working conditions, and a general lack of support have turned their daily lives into a struggle.
Armed with placards and chanting protest songs, the staff blocked the complex entrance, vowing not to return to work until their voices are heard.
A Breaking Point
Speaking to News Central TV, some of the workers didn’t hold back their pain. “We’ve waited too long for our wage awards. Our promotions are stuck, and there’s no training or materials for us to even do our jobs properly,” one of the protesters said.
“This isn’t what we signed up for. We come to work, we give our best, but we go home empty-handed and unheard.”
Many say the situation has only gotten worse since Wike took office as FCT Minister. For them, the silence and lack of action from the top is the final insult. They insist the time for polite patience is over.
Their Demands
The protesters listed their grievances clearly:
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Immediate payment of wage award arrears
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Restoration of delayed promotions
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Provision of training and working materials
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General improvement in staff welfare
Most notably, they’re calling for Wike’s removal, saying his tenure has brought more hardship than hope.
“This protest is not just about money. It’s about respect. It’s about dignity,” another staff member said. “We’re not begging for luxuries—just our rights.”
A City on Pause
As the protest dragged into the afternoon, normal activities within the FCTA were completely shut down. The entrance remained barricaded, with security personnel watching cautiously from the sidelines. No senior official came out to address the crowd as of the time of reporting.
For now, the workers remain defiant, and unless their demands are met, Abuja’s administrative engine may remain stalled.
