Abuja Court Restrains Labour Unions from Planned FCT Protest
The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has issued a significant restraining order against the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and several labour leaders, preventing them from proceeding with any form of protest or industrial action within the Federal Capital Territory. This judicial intervention comes as a response to growing tensions between labour unions and the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Court Order Details and Legal Proceedings
Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Sibilim delivered the interim order on Monday after considering an ex-parte application submitted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, alongside the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The court specifically restrained the NLC, TUC, and three named labour leaders—Comrades Benson Upah, General N.A. Toro, and Stephen Knabayi—from organizing or participating in any strike or protest activities.
The legal action, filed under Suit No: NICN/ABJ/30/26, was initiated to halt a mass protest that had been scheduled for February 3. Following arguments presented by the applicants, Justice Sibilim granted an interim injunction that prohibits the respondents, their agents, and any associates from engaging in protest actions until the motion on notice receives proper hearing and determination.
Background and Previous Court Orders
According to the claimants' submission, the FCT Minister and FCTA informed the court that the Chairman of the FCT Council of Labour Unions had circulated mobilization messages encouraging workers and affiliate unions to participate in the planned protest. The applicants argued that this action directly violated existing court orders that had been previously established.
The court heard that on January 27, the National Industrial Court had granted an interlocutory injunction restraining the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), its affiliate unions, and FCTA employees from continuing industrial action. That order specifically directed them to resume work pending the determination of the substantive suit, with service of the court order reportedly occurring on the same day.
Alleged Violations and Security Concerns
Despite the January 27 court order, the NLC and TUC allegedly issued a joint statement directing their affiliate unions to sustain the strike action. The labour unions reportedly cited an appeal filed by their legal counsel against the interlocutory ruling as justification for their continued action. Following this, JUAC subsequently instructed workers to maintain the industrial action.
The claimants expressed serious concerns that these actions were deliberately designed to disrupt governance structures and potentially cause a breakdown of law and order in Nigeria's capital city. They further argued that the planned protest could create significant public disturbances, including:
- Obstruction of traffic flow throughout the Federal Capital Territory
- Infringement on the rights and freedoms of FCT residents
- Disruption of activities in both public and private establishments
- Interference with school operations and government office functions
Security Measures and Future Proceedings
In addition to the restraining order, Justice Sibilim directed all relevant security agencies to ensure the maintenance of law and order across the Federal Capital Territory. This directive aims to prevent any potential unrest that might arise from the ongoing labour dispute.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 10, when the motion on notice will receive proper consideration. This adjournment provides both parties with additional time to prepare their legal arguments while maintaining the interim restrictions on protest activities.
This development represents a significant legal intervention in the ongoing dialogue between labour organizations and government authorities in Nigeria's capital, highlighting the delicate balance between workers' rights to protest and the government's responsibility to maintain public order and governance continuity.
