By Our Correspondent
Workers in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have resumed their indefinite strike following an appeal against a ruling of the National Industrial Court that ordered them to return to work.
The workers, under the umbrella of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), said the decision to continue the strike was reached after careful consideration of the court’s interlocutory injunction, which they believe does not adequately address their grievances. The appeal has now been filed at the Court of Appeal, challenging the Industrial Court’s directive.
The strike, which began on January 19, 2026, is rooted in unresolved welfare and entitlement issues involving staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). Despite ongoing tensions, the Industrial Court had, on January 27, ordered the workers to suspend the strike and resume duties, while adjourning the substantive matter to March 23, 2026.
However, the unions argue that the injunction obtained by the FCTA and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was directed at specific union leaders rather than the unions or the entire workforce. Based on this interpretation, JUAC instructed its members to remain at home and continue the industrial action pending the outcome of the appeal.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have thrown their weight behind the striking workers, accusing the FCTA of intimidation and victimisation. The labour centres urged workers to remain resolute while insisting that meaningful dialogue, not legal threats, remains the best path to resolving the dispute.
The ongoing strike has significantly disrupted public services across Abuja, with government hospitals, health centres, and other essential services either operating at minimal capacity or completely shut down. Residents have reported difficulties accessing healthcare and administrative services.
Meanwhile, the FCTA has maintained that it has met many of the workers’ demands and warned that continued absence from duty could attract sanctions. The administration says it remains open to dialogue but insists that industrial actions must comply with the law.
As the legal battle shifts to the Court of Appeal, all eyes remain on whether the unions will secure a stay of execution on the Industrial Court’s order. Until then, uncertainty looms over public service delivery in the nation’s capital.
