The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliate unions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to continue with the ongoing strike by workers of the FCT Administration, despite a court order that called for its suspension.
In a circular dated January 27, 2026, and signed by the acting general secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, the union reaffirmed its stance and instructed all affiliated unions in the FCT to sustain and intensify the strike until the workers’ demands are fully addressed.
The circular specifically addressed presidents and general secretaries of Abuja-based unions, emphasizing that the strike must continue.
It also called for reinforcement of the mobilization efforts and for members to actively participate in prayer and solidarity sessions from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at designated venues across the FCT.
The NLC cited unresolved issues, such as unpaid wage awards, promotion arrears, non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions, and alleged intimidation of workers, as reasons for the continued industrial action.
“These violations are grave, unacceptable, and incompatible with the principles of fairness, justice, and decent work,” the NLC statement read. The union further warned that any attempt to withdraw from the strike would embolden further violations against workers.
On Tuesday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja ordered workers of the FCT Administration to suspend their strike.
Presiding judge Emmanuel Subilim ruled that although the matter at hand was a trade dispute, the defendants’ right to strike was not absolute.
He maintained that once a dispute has been referred to the court, any ongoing strike must cease pending the determination of the case.
Following the court’s directive, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warned that striking FCTA employees who fail to resume work would face consequences. He emphasized that disobeying the court order would not be tolerated.
“Are there no consequences for disobeying the law? Must we allow people to break the law flagrantly? I have given them a window, but from tomorrow, if they don’t come to work, we will apply the big stick,” Wike said.
He also indicated that any workers attempting to block gates would be made an example of, asserting that the law must take its course.
The standoff between the NLC and the FCTA now continues as both parties brace for further legal and industrial action.