Strike: NLC Insists FCTA Workers Will Not Obey Court Order as Abuja Shutdown Continues

Strike: NLC Insists FCTA Workers Will Not Obey Court Order as Abuja Shutdown Continues

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers will not comply with a court order directing them to suspend their ongoing strike, deepening the labour crisis that has paralysed public services across Abuja.

The strike, organised by the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) with the backing of the NLC, was triggered by unresolved issues bordering on welfare, unpaid promotion arrears, allowances, and poor working conditions affecting FCTA staff. Since the industrial action began, several government offices, schools and service centres in the nation’s capital have remained shut.

On Tuesday, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria ordered the striking workers to call off the strike and resume duties, citing provisions of the Trade Dispute Act, which require industrial action to be suspended once a matter is before the court.

However, the NLC rejected the directive, insisting that workers would remain on strike until their demands are fully addressed. Labour leaders described the court order as premature, arguing that government had failed to show sufficient commitment to resolving the dispute through meaningful negotiation.

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The stance has heightened tensions between organised labour and the Federal Capital Territory Administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, who warned that workers who defy the court order risk disciplinary action, sanctions, and possible loss of employment. Wike maintained that the rule of law must be respected, adding that the FCTA remains open to dialogue but will not tolerate actions that undermine governance.

The minister also directed government departments to reopen offices and enforce staff attendance registers, signalling a move to compel compliance with the court ruling.

Meanwhile, the NLC accused the FCTA of using intimidation rather than dialogue to address legitimate workers’ grievances, urging continued solidarity among workers. The labour body said the strike would persist until concrete agreements are reached and implemented.

The dispute has sparked renewed debate over labour rights, judicial authority, and the balance between lawful governance and workers’ collective action in Nigeria, as residents of Abuja continue to bear the brunt of the shutdown.

Strike: NLC Insists FCTA Workers Will Not Obey Court Order as Abuja Shutdown Continues