The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sent a solidarity message to striking workers in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), whom the Industrial Court ordered to suspend their actions, describing the ruling as surprising and distasteful.
A statement by the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, urged the workers not to let their hearts be broken, noting that the court ruling cannot weaken the resolve of already aggrieved workers.
The statement also faulted the court for failing to examine the allegations brought forward by the workers, including claims of non-remittances of the National Housing Fund and pension deductions.
Furthermore, the statement puts on notice organisations and individuals violating the provisions of the Pension Fund Act and National Housing Fund Act, warning that such violations will lead to serious engagement with the NLC.
The statement also called on workers and NLC organs to remain on high alert in light of the recent development.
Yesterday, Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court ordered workers of the FCTA to suspend their ongoing industrial action pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons, reports Channels TV.
The ruling followed an application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, seeking a court order compelling striking FCTA workers to return to work.
In the suit, the FCT Minister named the President and the Secretary of the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) as respondents.
Justice Subilim held that industrial action, including strikes, must be suspended once a dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court.
Citing Section 18(1)E of the Trade Dispute Act, the court noted that the suspension ensures the dispute is properly resolved, and that ongoing strikes must halt upon the commencement of a suit by originating summons, which constitutes a referral.
The judge further stated that failure to comply with Section 18 of the Act may attract sanctions.
He emphasised that the public interest in maintaining industrial peace outweighs any inconvenience caused by suspending the strike.
The case has been adjourned to March 25, 2026, for hearing.
Following the court order, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said any worker of the FCTA who fails to resume work from Wednesday, January 28 would face disciplinary action.
Wike disclosed that his administration has met with the unions and all their grievances have also been tabled.
He stated that the security agencies and the FCT management have tried to dialogue with the unions but to no avail, asserting that there is more to it than just their demands.
