The National Industrial Court has ordered striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to resume duties without delay.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim, presiding over the case in Abuja, emphasized that while workers have the right to strike to voice grievances, this right is not unrestricted. “Although strike was a right of workers to express their grievance, its adoption is not absolute,” the judge stated, invoking Section 18(1) of the Trade Disputes Act.
He explained that employees cannot initiate industrial action on matters already before the court, as it risks paralyzing essential services if prolonged.
The order stems from a motion filed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) James Onoja, who challenged the strike’s legality.
Last week, Justice Subilim had granted an interlocutory injunction to pause the action, arguing that the Joint Unions Action Committee leading the protest is not a registered trade union, rendering the strike non-compliant with the Trade Disputes Act.
Despite the court’s directive, the workers remain defiant, vowing to continue their stay-at-home protest until their core demands are addressed. These include improved welfare packages and, notably, the removal of Wike as FCT Minister.
The standoff highlights escalating tensions between labor unions and the administration, with workers accusing the leadership of neglecting their rights and working conditions.
The strike, which began amid unresolved disputes over salaries, allowances, and administrative policies, has already disrupted daily operations in the FCT, affecting services from urban planning to public utilities. Legal experts suggest this ruling could set a precedent for handling similar industrial actions, underscoring the balance between workers’ rights and public interest.
As the case proceeds, both sides are expected to present further arguments, but for now, the court’s order stands as a firm call for normalcy in Abuja’s governance.
