National Industrial Court Bars NLC, TUC from Strikes, Protests in Abuja

National Industrial Court Bars NLC, TUC from Strikes, Protests in Abuja

The National Industrial Court (NIC) sitting in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three other individuals from embarking on any form of industrial action or protest within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The order was delivered on Monday by Justice Emmanuel Subilim following an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Those restrained include the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, the TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, and the FCT NLC Chairman, Stephen Knabayi. The court also directed security agencies, listed as the 5th to 9th defendants, to ensure that law and order are maintained in the nation’s capital.

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The court’s intervention comes after the Chairman of the FCT Council circulated a mobilisation message calling for a mass protest scheduled for February 3, 2026. The claimants argued that this action violated an existing court order issued on January 27, 2026, which had already restrained the unions and their affiliates from further industrial action pending the determination of a substantive suit.

The FCTA, through its counsel James Onoja (SAN), stated that the unions, despite being served with the earlier interlocutory injunction, directed workers to resume the strike, issuing circulars titled “Reinforcement Directive to All Affiliate Unions in the FCT” and “Defend Your Rights With Courage and Dignity: We Are With You.”

The claimants said the planned strike and protest could lead to a breakdown of law and order, obstruct vehicular movement, and infringe on the rights of residents, private sector workers, expatriates, and tourists in Abuja.

The court has adjourned the matter until February 10, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.

National Industrial Court Bars NLC, TUC from Strikes, Protests in Abuja