The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that any worker of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who fails to return to duty following a court order will face disciplinary measures.
Wike issued the warning on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing journalists shortly after the National Industrial Court directed striking FCTA workers to suspend their industrial action and resume work from Wednesday, January 28.
According to the minister, the FCT administration will not tolerate further disruption of government activities in the nation’s capital.
He said strict action would be taken against any worker who ignores the court’s ruling or attempts to obstruct access to government facilities.
Wike stated that his administration had made repeated efforts to resolve the dispute through dialogue, including meetings with labour unions to review their demands.
He said most of the issues raised by the workers had already been addressed, questioning the justification for the continued strike.
The minister also noted that security agencies and FCT management officials had engaged union leaders without success, adding that the situation suggested factors beyond the stated welfare demands.
FCTA workers commenced an indefinite strike last week, citing unresolved labour and welfare concerns.
The action led to the closure of several government offices and disrupted public services across Abuja.
In response, the FCT administration filed a suit against the Joint Unions Action Committee, challenging the legality of the strike.
On Tuesday, the National Industrial Court ruled that although the dispute qualified as a trade disagreement, the right to industrial action was not unlimited.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Emmanuel Subilim held that once a matter has been referred to the court, all industrial action must cease until the case is determined.
He accordingly ordered the workers to suspend the strike.
Wike said the FCT administration would enforce the court’s decision, stressing that adherence to the rule of law was non-negotiable.
