The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday granted an interlocutory injunction compelling members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to immediately suspend their ongoing strike.
The ruling followed a suit filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the FCTA against JUAC’s Chairman, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, in suit number NICN/ABJ/17/2026.
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Delivering the ruling, Justice E.D. Subilim held that while the dispute constituted a trade matter, the union could no longer legally sustain the industrial action once the issue had been brought before the court.
“An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the claimants and representatives… from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimant,” Justice Subilim ruled.
He said the injunction would remain in force pending the determination of the substantive suit, adding that workers must cease strike actions once such matters are officially referred to the court for adjudication.
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The judge explained that although workers have the right to protest and strike under the law, such rights are not absolute and must give way to legal due process, especially during the pendency of a court matter.
The case was adjourned until March 23, 2026, for a hearing on the substantive issues.