Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliate unions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to continue and intensify the ongoing strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), despite a National Industrial Court order mandating the suspension of the industrial action. The move sets up a tense standoff between organised labour and authorities in the nation’s capital.
In a circular dated January 27, 2026 and signed by Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary of the NLC, the union reiterated its earlier position, urging all FCT‑based affiliate unions to sustain the industrial action until demanding issues are fully addressed. The memo, addressed to presidents and general secretaries of Abuja‑based unions, called on workers not only to continue the strike but to intensify mobilisation and participation in solidarity activities across the territory.
The directive comes just a day after the National Industrial Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Subilim, granted an interlocutory injunction in favour of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the FCTA. The court ruled that the ongoing industrial action must be suspended because the matter had been formally referred for judicial resolution and that a right to strike is not absolute once a dispute is before the court. The substantive hearing was adjourned to a future date in March 2026.
Key unresolved grievances cited by the NLC include unpaid wage awards, promotion arrears, non‑remittance of pension contributions and National Housing Fund deductions, and allegations of intimidation of workers — issues the union described as “grave, unacceptable, and incompatible with the principles of fairness, justice and decent work.” In its circular, the NLC warned against any withdrawal from the strike action, saying such a move would embolden further violations of workers’ rights.
The union’s stance was echoed in statements confirming that affiliate unions, including those operating under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), have also rejected interpretations of the court order, arguing that it applies only to specific individuals named in the suit and does not extinguish the broader collective industrial action. Union leaders maintained that the strike continues pending substantive resolution of the workers’ demands.
On the other side of the dispute, the FCT Administration has called on striking workers to resume duties immediately in compliance with the court’s suspension order. A circular issued by the Head of the Civil Service at the FCTA directed staff across secretariats, departments and agencies to return to work, warning of consequences for non‑compliance with judicial directives.
The impasse has drawn sharp commentary from both sides. Labour advocates have criticised the court ruling as failing to address what they describe as systemic violations of workers’ welfare and statutory entitlements, especially regarding pension and housing fund remittances. The NLC has publicly rejected the court order, labelling elements of the ruling as unacceptable and urging continued solidarity among members until demands are met.
Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reiterated his position that continued defiance of the suspension order may attract sanctions or other legal consequences, emphasising adherence to the rule of law even as dialogue channels remain open for negotiation.
The strike, which began on January 19, 2026, has already disrupted key FCTA functions and public services across the territory, causing administrative paralysis in many government offices. Teachers’ unions and other affiliates have also thrown their weight behind the strike action, complicating efforts to restore normal operations in the capital.
Labour relations and industrial disputes involving public sector employees in Nigeria have increasingly tested the balance between workers’ rights and legal constraints on industrial actions, particularly in cases where disputes are before the courts. This latest confrontation underscores the complexities of collective bargaining, judicial authority and executive enforcement in the country’s capital.
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