NLC Rejects Court Order Halting FCT Workers’ Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the National Industrial Court’s decision to suspend the ongoing strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), insisting that the ruling will not weaken the determination of aggrieved workers.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NLC’s Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, said the congress was dismayed by the court’s order halting the strike and adjourning the substantive hearing to March 25, 2026, without addressing the core complaints raised by the workers.

Upah faulted the National Industrial Court for failing to make any pronouncement on what the NLC described as “persistent violations of labour laws” by the FCTA.

The union argued that key issues underpinning the strike, including the non‑remittance of statutory deductions, were overlooked in the ruling.

The NLC specifically highlighted the alleged failure by the FCTA to remit National Housing Fund (NHF) and pension deductions, matters it says are clear violations of existing laws.

Under the law, failure to remit NHF deductions is an offence that can attract heavy fines ranging from N50,000 to N100 million, and even possible jail terms for responsible officers, the NLC noted.

The congress also cited the Pension Reform Act 2014 (as amended), which requires employers to remit pension deductions within seven working days, with penalties of up to 24 per cent per annum for defaults.

The NLC went further to accuse the Minister of the FCT of escalating tensions in the aftermath of the court ruling by issuing threats of sack to striking workers.

The statement added, “There are other violations by the Minister/FCT/FCTA which we elected not to mention here. It is in light of this that we find it distasteful that the court did not think it necessary to do justice to workers by way of even a tokenistic injunctive relief.

“The combined effects of a long adjournment and denial of an injunctive relief are irredeemably damaging to the cause of the workers and are suggestive of the interest of the court in this matter.

“The Minister of the FCT, taking the cue, did not wait for the signature ink on the court order paper to dry before issuing threats of sack to workers. We doubt that a reasonable conversation can be held in such a toxic situation.

“If the intention of the court is to break the strike as well as weaken the resolve of the injured workers, then it is mistaken! Our hearts can never be broken, and workers are urged to remain resolute in their convictions.

“We equally find it necessary to add that there is a certain risk we all run when some courts elect to write themselves into oblivion. We as a nation must not take that dangerous path.

“Through this statement, we put on notice all institutions, organisations or individuals violating the provisions of the Pension Fund Act and National Housing Fund Act for a serious engagement.

“Workers and organs of the Congress are similarly urged to be on high alert to see to the implementation of this engagement in case someone thinks we are bluffing.”