Court Orders FCT Workers to Suspend Strike Following Minister’s Petition

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja has ordered workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to suspend their ongoing strike in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The action comes after the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) secured an interlocutory injunction in suit number NICN/ABJ/17/2026.

Justice E.D. Subilim granted the injunction on Tuesday, restraining JUAC and its leadership from continuing the industrial action. The court had been petitioned by the FCT Minister and the FCTA against JUAC Chairman Rifkatu Iortyer, Secretary Abdullahi Umar Saleh, and other representatives, seeking to prevent further strike activities, including picketing or office lockouts.

In delivering the ruling, Justice Subilim acknowledged that the dispute qualifies as a trade dispute and meets legal requirements. However, he emphasized that the right to strike is not absolute once a case has been brought before the National Industrial Court. He ruled that ongoing strikes must cease pending the court’s determination of the substantive matter.

“An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the claimants and representatives from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimant. The order shall remain in force, pending the determination of this suit,” the judge stated.

The matter has been adjourned to March 23, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive case.

The strike, which began last Monday following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued by labour unions, had paralyzed major government offices and disrupted public services across Abuja. The FCTA claimed most worker demands had been addressed, but JUAC maintained that key issues, including unpaid entitlements and welfare concerns, remained unresolved.

During proceedings, JUAC’s counsel, Maxwell Opara, urged the court to dismiss the injunction, warning it would preempt the main suit. Meanwhile, counsel for the FCTA, James Onoja (SAN), argued that JUAC is not registered under the Trade Union Act and therefore the strike was unlawful.