ABUJA – The National Industrial Court has ordered the striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to immediately suspend their industrial action, granting an application filed by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, January 27, 2026, Justice Emmanuel Subilim held that once a trade dispute has been referred to the court via an originating summons—as done by Minister Wike—any ongoing strike must be suspended pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Citing Section 18(1)E of the Trade Disputes Act, Justice Subilim emphasized that the suspension of the strike is a legal requirement to ensure the dispute is properly resolved. He stated that the public interest in maintaining industrial peace outweighs the inconvenience of suspending the action, warning that failure to comply could attract sanctions.
The court adjourned the substantive hearing of the suit to March 25, 2026. The FCTA workers, under the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), began their indefinite strike on January 19 over unmet demands, including unpaid salaries and promotion arrears, which had paralyzed government operations in Abuja.
The ruling delivers a temporary legal victory for Minister Wike and places the next move in the protracted dispute with the labor unions, who have vowed to continue their fight for improved welfare.
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Disclaimer: This report details the ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction. The order is an interim measure, and the substantive issues of the trade dispute are yet to be heard and determined.
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