The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) sitting in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three key officials from embarking on any form of industrial action, strike, or protest within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Justice Emmanuel Subilim granted the order on Monday following an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The restrained parties include:
– Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)
– Trade Union Congress (TUC)
– Benson Upah (NLC Spokesperson)
– Nuhu Toro (TUC General Secretary)
– Stephen Knabayi (Chairman, FCT NLC Council)
The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/30/26, was filed on February 2, 2026, by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) James Onoja on behalf of the claimants.
After hearing arguments from the applicants, Justice Subilim granted an interim injunction restraining the respondents, their agents, privies, or affiliates from proceeding with any strike, industrial action, or protest pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The court also directed security agencies (5th to 9th defendants) to ensure no breakdown of law and order occurs in the nation’s capital.
Background of the Dispute
The claimants alleged that despite an interlocutory injunction issued on January 27, 2026, in a related suit (NICN/ABJ/17/2026), which restrained the defendants and the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) from continuing industrial action and ordered workers to resume duties, the unions defied the order.
Key allegations include:
– On January 19, 2026, FCT workers under JUAC commenced an indefinite strike, locking entrances to offices, secretariats, schools, and agencies, effectively halting governmental functions.
– After the January 27 interlocutory order was served the same day, the NLC and TUC allegedly issued directives to intensify and sustain the strike.
– A joint directive titled “Defend Your Rights With Courage and Dignity: We Are With You” was issued, urging workers to disregard the court order.
– On January 28, 2026, JUAC circulated another instruction to resume the strike.
– On January 31, 2026, FCT NLC Chairman Stephen Knabayi mobilized affiliates for a mass protest scheduled for February 3, 2026, at 7:00 am.
The claimants argued that the planned protest risked causing a breakdown of law and order, obstructing vehicular movement, and violating the rights of FCT residents, private sector workers, expatriates, and tourists.
The matter has been adjourned to February 10, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.
This development follows earlier police advice to the unions to reschedule the planned rally due to intelligence indicating potential infiltration by proscribed groups and other non-state actors.
The FCT workers’ strike, which began over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears, and poor working conditions, has now been further complicated by successive court interventions.
