The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Abuja, has stepped into the labour dispute between the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and its workers, ordering an immediate suspension of the ongoing strike that had disrupted activities across the nation’s capital.
The order followed an interlocutory application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCTA against the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, Justice E.D. Subilim restrained JUAC and its representatives from engaging in any form of industrial action, including strikes, picketing, or lockouts, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/17/2026, was filed against JUAC’s Chairman, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh.
Justice Subilim held that while the dispute qualifies as a trade dispute under Nigerian labour laws, the right to strike is subject to legal limitations.
According to the court, once a labour dispute is formally referred to the National Industrial Court, workers are prohibited by law from continuing any strike action.
The judge added that where a strike has already commenced, it must be suspended until the court resolves the matter.
“An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the defendants and their representatives from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimant. This order shall remain in force pending the determination of this suit,” Justice Subilim stated.
The matter was adjourned to March 23, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive case.
The decision paves the way for the resumption of normal operations across FCT offices that had been affected by the strike action.