The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remains in a state of disruption as workers continue an indefinite strike while the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) challenges a National Industrial Court ruling that barred its members from industrial action.
The strike, now in its second week, stemmed from long-standing labour and welfare grievances that the workers say authorities have failed to address.
JUAC filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, on behalf of Chairman Riftkatu Iortyer and Secretary Abdullahi Saleh, represented by Senior Advocate Femi Falana and his legal team.
The union is seeking a suspension of Justice Emmanuel Subilim’s interlocutory ruling until the appeal is fully determined.
According to JUAC’s lawyers, the case raises “serious, arguable points of law” concerning workers’ constitutional right to industrial action.
The union insisted it would exhaust all legal avenues to uphold this right, arguing that employees could be compelled to end a strike while a dispute remains unresolved.
The industrial action has effectively halted operations across major FCT government offices, causing delays in public services.
Workers stressed that the strike is a response to persistent neglect of welfare issues and unfair treatment by the FCT administration.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have publicly supported the striking workers.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the two labour centers criticised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for intimidation, harassment, and insults directed at the workforce.
“Workers cannot be made slaves in their own country. The threats and humiliation from the Minister, despite a skewed court ruling, cannot be ignored,” the statement said.
The unions urged workers to maintain morale, highlighting that the court injunction targeted individual union leaders rather than the striking trade unions, leaving the industrial action legally intact.
Minister Wike warned that continued defiance of the court order would have “severe consequences.
“From tomorrow, anyone blocking access will be made a scapegoat. The law must take its place,” he said.
Despite this warning, both JUAC and the labour centres maintain that negotiations and fair treatment are the only path to ending the stalemate.
Justice Subilim’s interlocutory ruling stated that workers’ right to strike is not absolute once a dispute is referred to the National Industrial Court.
The court ordered that the ongoing strike must cease pending the determination of the case.
JUAC has moved swiftly to challenge this ruling, requesting a stay of execution while their appeal is considered.
With key government offices partially or fully closed, residents continue to face delays in accessing services, from administrative functions to public facilities.
The disruption underscores the broader social and economic consequences of prolonged industrial disputes in the capital.
