“From Tomorrow, Any Worker Who Blocks the Gate Will Be Made a Scapegoat” — Wike

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has warned striking FCTA workers that defying a court order to resume work will carry consequences.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday after a national industrial court in Abuja ordered the suspension of the strike, Wike stressed that enforcement would begin immediately.

“Are there no consequences for disobeying the law? We cannot allow people to flout the law openly. I have given them time, but from tomorrow, any worker who does not report will face enforcement measures,” he said.

He added that workers attempting to block access to government offices would “be made a scapegoat,” underscoring that the law must prevail.

Wike also reiterated that the FCTA is open to dialogue, noting that labour representatives have already met with management to address concerns.

“If the aim is genuine discussion, we are ready. But if it’s blackmail or intimidation, we will not concede,” he said.

**Background**

The strike began last week over unresolved labour and welfare demands, disrupting operations across major government offices in Abuja.

Following the strike, Wike sued the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC). Justice Emmanuel Subilim ruled that while the dispute constitutes a trade issue, workers’ right to strike is not absolute once a case is before the national industrial court. The court ordered the strike to be suspended pending the resolution of the dispute.