Legal Battle Deepens As Abuja Workers Defy Resume-Work Directive

Indefinite Strike Continues as FCT Workers Challenge Industrial Court Decision

THE Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has directed workers to resume their indefinite strike, following an appeal against a ruling of the National Industrial Court ordering the suspension of the industrial action.

The strike, which began on 19 January over unresolved welfare demands, was briefly interrupted on Wednesday after court directives and official warnings from the FCTA leadership.

Sparse Activity at Government Offices

On Thursday, most FCTA offices across the nation’s capital recorded minimal activity, with only a few staff members present. The reduced turnout followed a JUAC circular instructing workers to remain at home until further notice.

Union officials described the directive as a lawful continuation of the strike, citing the filing of an appeal as grounds for maintaining the action.

Legal Dispute Deepens

The National Industrial Court had on 27 January ordered workers to suspend the strike and adjourned proceedings to 23 March. JUAC, however, filed an appeal through senior advocate Femi Falana, SAN, contesting the ruling.

In response, Acting Head of the FCTA Civil Service, Mrs. Nancy Nathan, directed workers to resume duties, while FCT Minister Nyesom Wike warned of punitive measures against defaulters.

Wike said the FCTA was willing to engage in “reasonable negotiation,” noting that a significant number of the workers’ demands had already been met.

Unions Insist Strike Is Lawful

JUAC Secretary Abdullahi Saleh countered the directive, stating that the appeal nullified the immediate enforcement of the ruling. He encouraged workers to maintain unity and discipline, adding that prayers and collective resolve were necessary for success.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) also weighed in, reiterating support for the workers. In a joint statement signed by NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro, the unions argued that the injunction secured by the FCTA targeted individual officials and not the unions as institutions.

They insisted that the strike would remain in force until direct negotiations are held between the FCT Minister and workers’ representatives.