By Peter Adelowo
The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, says it has addressed ten out of the fourteen demands presented by its workers who embarked on an indefinite strike on Monday over welfare concerns.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, in Abuja.
Mr. Olayinka said the remaining four issues are currently being reviewed with a view to resolving them.
He explained that some workers under various unions, including the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, have dissociated themselves from the strike and should be allowed unhindered access to their offices to carry out their official duties.
According to him, the Association of Resident Doctors, FCT chapter, had written to the Minister, Nyesom Wike, commending his commitment to the welfare of health workers, particularly for the payment of thirteen months hazard allowance arrears and one month wage award.
The FCTA spokesman said several meetings have been held with leaders of the Joint Union Action Committee, including sessions held over the weekend, where workers’ demands and the Minister’s interventions were extensively discussed.
He noted that payment of the five months wage award has commenced, while the thirteen months hazard allowance and twenty-two months rural allowance for health workers have been fully settled.
Mr. Olayinka added that promotion arrears amounting to over two hundred and eighty-six million naira for seven hundred and twenty-four officers across twenty-four departments have been approved and are being processed for payment.
On the issue of tenure elongation for retired directors and permanent secretaries, he said the matter has been resolved in line with Public Service Rules.
He also disclosed that a committee has been set up to address issues relating to deductions and remittances, while training needs of staff are being compiled for further action.
Mr. Olayinka described the strike as unnecessary, insisting that the FCT Minister remains committed to prioritising the welfare of workers.
He further stated that security agencies have been directed to ensure that workers who opted out of the strike are allowed access to their offices to perform their lawful duties.
