FCTA Workers Ordered To Resume Work

FCTA Workers Ordered To Resume Work

Workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration have been directed to halt their ongoing strike following a ruling by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja.

The decision affects staff operating under the Joint Union Action Committee and takes immediate effect.

The order was made on Tuesday by Justice E.D. Subilim after the court considered an application filed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the FCT Administration.

The suit was brought against JUAC leaders Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Umar Saleh over the industrial action that has disrupted public services in the capital.

The case, registered as NICN/ABJ/17/2026, sought to stop the union and its members from continuing with the strike, including any form of picketing or work stoppage.

The court noted that the dispute qualifies as a trade dispute but stressed that the right to strike has limits under the law.

In his ruling, Justice Subilim held that “Workers are prohibited from participating in a strike once a dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court,” adding that “Where such a strike is already ongoing, it must cease pending the determination of the case.” Based on this position, the court granted an interlocutory injunction ordering the suspension of the strike.

The judge further ruled that “An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted… restraining the defendants and their representatives from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimant.” The matter has now been fixed for March 23, 2026, when the court will hear the main suit.