Court Halts FCTA Workers' Strike Following Wike's Legal Request
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has issued a significant ruling that has temporarily suspended the ongoing industrial action by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). This decision came in response to an interlocutory injunction filed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, which the court granted on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Judicial Intervention in Labor Dispute
Justice E.D. Subilim, presiding over the case, delivered a comprehensive judgment that addressed the complex balance between workers' rights and legal procedures. While acknowledging that the matter constituted a legitimate trade dispute meeting required legal conditions, the judge emphasized that the defendants' right to embark on industrial action was not absolute under Nigerian law.
The court specifically ruled that workers are prohibited from participating in a strike once a dispute has been formally referred to the National Industrial Court. This legal principle formed the foundation of the court's decision to halt the ongoing industrial action by FCTA employees.
Legal Basis for the Injunction
Justice Subilim elaborated on the legal reasoning behind the decision, stating that where such a strike was already in progress, it must cease immediately pending the final determination of the case. The judge issued a clear order: "An order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted, restraining the claimants and representatives... from further embarking on any industrial action against the claimant. The order shall remain in force, pending the determination of this suit."
This ruling represents a significant development in labor relations within Nigeria's capital territory, establishing important legal precedents regarding industrial actions when disputes are already before the judicial system.
Case Adjournment and Future Proceedings
The court has adjourned the substantive matter until March 23, 2026, for further hearing and final determination. This provides both parties with additional time to prepare their cases while maintaining the temporary suspension of industrial action.
The workers involved in this dispute are represented under the Joint Union Action Committee, which has been leading the industrial action against the FCTA administration. The court's decision creates a temporary pause in labor tensions while the judicial process continues to unfold.
This development comes amid ongoing discussions about workers' rights, government administration, and the proper channels for resolving labor disputes in Nigeria's federal capital territory. The case continues to draw significant attention from labor unions, government officials, and legal observers across the country.
