The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Abuja, has ordered FCT workers to suspend their ongoing strike, granting an interlocutory injunction filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration.
The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/17/2026, was instituted against the Chairman of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), Rifkatu Iortyer, and the Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh. The claimants sought an order restraining the unions from embarking on any form of industrial action, picketing or lockout.
Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, Justice E.D. Subilim held that while the dispute qualified as a trade dispute under the law, the right to industrial action was not absolute.
FCT workers suspend strike following court order
“The defendant’s right to an industrial action is not absolute, but as circumscribed by law,” Justice Subilim said.
He ruled that once a dispute is referred to the National Industrial Court, workers are prohibited from participating in a strike. Where such action is already ongoing, the court said it must cease pending the determination of the case.
Justice Subilim held that the claimants had established a compelling case warranting the grant of the injunction, restraining JUAC members from continuing the strike or engaging in any form of obstruction.
The order restrains the defendants, their agents and members from further industrial action, picketing, lockout or activities capable of crippling operations, blocking roads or obstructing vehicular movement within the FCT.
The injunction, the court said, will remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons. The matter was adjourned to March 23, 2026, for substantive hearing.
Lawyers, unions react
Counsel to the claimants, James Onoja, SAN, welcomed the ruling, saying it would create room for dialogue and mediation between the parties.
He appealed to the unions to comply with the order and return to work, describing the dispute as one that could be resolved through engagement.
Counsel for the respondents, Maxwell Opara, said the workers were law-abiding and would respect the court’s decision, adding that the ruling also opened the door for formal mediation as required by law.
JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, confirmed that the unions would comply with the order, suspend the strike and immediately return to work, while continuing to pursue their demands through lawful means.
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