Court gavel
National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, ordered workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to suspend their ongoing strike, granting an interlocutory injunction sought by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration.
Delivering his ruling in Suit No: NICN/ABJ/17/2026, Justice E.D. Subilim held that although the dispute before the court qualified as a trade dispute, the workers’ right to embark on industrial action was not absolute once the matter had been referred to the National Industrial Court.
> “An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the defendants and their representatives from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimants. The order shall remain in force pending the determination of this suit,” the judge ruled.
Justice Subilim added that where a strike is already ongoing at the time a dispute is brought before the court, such action must cease until the substantive suit is determined.
The court consequently advised the striking workers to return to work while discussions continue.
The suit was filed by the FCT Minister and the FCTA against the Chairman of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), Rifkatu Iortyer, and its Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, seeking an order restraining them and their agents from embarking on industrial action, picketing or lockout over wage and welfare issues.
During proceedings, the court emphasised provisions of the National Industrial Court Act, which encourage mediation and peaceful resolution of labour disputes, particularly those linked to wage-related disagreements. The judge urged both parties to prioritise dialogue and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Counsel to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr. Maxwell Okpara, told the court that efforts at mediation had stalled because the FCT Minister was allegedly inaccessible, making meaningful negotiations impossible. He therefore asked the court to compel the Minister to appear in person to allow mediation to commence.
However, counsel to the Minister, Mr. Ogwu James Onoja, opposed the request, arguing that the Minister was already engaging through established administrative channels and should not be compelled to appear at that stage.
Meanwhile, NATIONAL ACCORD reports that tension flared outside the courtroom as FCTA workers, backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), staged a protest over unresolved wage and welfare demands, disrupting activities within and around the court premises.
Following the proceedings, the protesting workers moved from the court to Labour House in Abuja, vowing to continue their protest until their demands are addressed, despite the court’s directive.
The court adjourned the matter until March 23, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive suit.
