Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court has directed workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to suspend their ongoing strike while the originating summons filed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is being heard and determined.
The court order followed Wike’s application seeking to compel the striking FCTA employees to resume work. In the suit, the Minister listed the President and Secretary of the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) as respondents.
Justice Subilim ruled that industrial actions, including strikes, must be halted once a dispute is brought before the National Industrial Court. Citing Section 18(1)(e) of the Trade Disputes Act, the judge explained that suspending strikes ensures the matter is properly adjudicated, as referring a dispute to the court automatically triggers a pause in industrial action.
The judge further warned that failure to comply with the provisions of the Trade Disputes Act could attract sanctions. He stressed that public interest in maintaining industrial peace takes precedence over any temporary disruption caused by halting the strike.
The case has been adjourned to March 25, 2026, for further hearing.
The strike, which began on January 19, involved workers of both the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority. Staff shut down operations across Abuja, citing what they described as “unmet demands” from the federal government. The industrial action affected all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals.
