The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliate unions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to continue the ongoing strike by workers of the FCT Administration, despite a court order directing that the industrial action be suspended.
The directive was contained in a circular dated January 27,
2026, and signed by Benson Upah, the acting general secretary of the NLC.
In the circular addressed to presidents and general
secretaries of all Abuja-based unions, the NLC said it was “reaffirming and
reinforcing” its earlier instructions for workers to sustain the strike action
until their demands are fully met.
“We hereby reaffirm and reinforce the directive to all
affiliate unions in the FCT to not only proceed with the ongoing action but to
intensify and sustain it until all workers’ demands are fully addressed,” the
circular reads.
The NLC noted that issues such as unpaid wage awards and
promotion arrears, non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund
deductions, as well as alleged intimidation of workers, are yet to be resolved.
“These violations are grave, unacceptable, and incompatible
with the principles of fairness, justice, and decent work,” the NLC said.
“Affiliate unions are therefore directed to fully maintain
participation in the industrial action; reinforce mobilisation of members for
all congress-approved activities; and mobilise members to continuously
participate in daily prayer and solidarity sessions from 8:00am to 5:00pm at
designated venues across the FCT.”
The NLC warned against any withdrawal from the strike at
this stage, saying such action would embolden further violations against
workers.
“This struggle demands unity, discipline, and unwavering
commitment. All affiliates are expected to comply strictly with this directive
in the collective interest of the Nigerian working class. An injury to one is
an injury to all,” the circular reads.
On Tuesday, a national industrial court in Abuja ordered
workers on the payroll of the FCTA to suspend the strike.
Delivering a ruling, Emmanuel Subilim, presiding judge, held
that although the matter before the court amounted to a trade dispute, the
defendants’ right to embark on industrial action was not absolute.
He held that once a dispute has been referred to the
national industrial court, any ongoing strike must cease pending the
determination of the case.
On Tuesday, Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital
Territory (FCT), said any striking FCTA employee that fails to resume work
following the court order will face consequences.
“Are there no consequences for disobeying the law? Must we
allow people 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.
“From tomorrow (Wednesday), if we see anybody who wants to
block the gate, they will be made a scapegoat. The law must take its place.”
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