The National Industrial Court has ordered workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to immediately suspend their ongoing strike pending the resolution of a suit before the court.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim gave the directive on Tuesday after considering an application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who sought an order compelling the striking workers to return to work.
In the suit, the minister listed the President and Secretary of the Joint Union Action Committee as respondents, arguing that the continued industrial action was unlawful once the dispute had been brought before the court.
In his ruling, Justice Subilim held that under the Trade Disputes Act, any form of industrial action must cease once a matter has been referred to the National Industrial Court.
He also explained that the filing of an originating summons amounts to such a referral and automatically triggers a suspension of strikes.
The judge cited provisions of the law which, he said, are intended to preserve industrial harmony and allow disputes to be resolved through legal processes rather than prolonged work stoppages.
He further warned that failure to comply with the directive could attract sanctions.
Justice Subilim added that the broader public interest in maintaining essential government services outweighed any inconvenience the suspension of the strike might cause to the workers.
The case was adjourned to March 25, 2026, for substantive hearing.
FCTA and Federal Capital Development Authority workers began an indefinite strike on January 19 over what they described as unresolved welfare and labour-related demands.
The action led to the shutdown of offices, departments, agencies and councils across Abuja.
