Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court has mandated workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to suspend their ongoing industrial action while their dispute is reviewed in court. This ruling follows an application from Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, who sought an order compelling the striking workers to return to their duties.
In his ruling, Justice Subilim stated that industrial actions, including strikes, must cease upon the initiation of legal proceedings. He referenced Section 18(1)E of the Trade Dispute Act, highlighting that this suspension is crucial for properly resolving disputes, ensuring that strikes do not persist once cases are referred to the National Industrial Court.
The judge emphasized that the public interest in maintaining industrial peace supersedes any inconvenience caused by the strike suspension. The case is scheduled for another hearing on March 25, 2026.
The strike, which began on January 19, 2026, has severely impacted FCTA operations, affecting all departments, agencies, and area councils in Abuja. The workers initiated the action over what they termed “unmet demands” from the Federal Government, leading to a complete shutdown of operations across various FCTA secretariats.
This development highlights the ongoing tensions between public sector workers and government authorities regarding labor rights and demands for improved working conditions.
