A national industrial court in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from carrying out a planned protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), pending the resolution of an ongoing dispute with the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA).
The ruling was delivered by Judge Emmanuel Subilim following an ex parte application filed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, alongside the FCTA. The court’s decision specifically applies to NLC and TUC leaders, including Benson Upah and Nuhu Toro, as well as law enforcement agencies tasked with maintaining order.
According to the court, the action was necessary to prevent potential disruptions to law and order, obstruction of vehicular traffic, and violations of the rights of residents, expatriates, and tourists within Abuja.
The legal move comes after the FCTA workers began an indefinite strike on January 19, 2026, citing unresolved labour and welfare demands. The strike led to a shutdown of secretariats, departments, and agencies across the territory, prompting the minister to approach the court to restrain further industrial action.
The court highlighted that while workers have the right to industrial action, this right is not absolute. Once a trade dispute is referred to the national industrial court, any ongoing strike must cease pending determination.
Despite earlier instructions from the head of civil service directing all FCTA employees to resume duties immediately, the NLC had called for continued strike action, prompting judicial intervention.
Counsel to the FCT Minister, Ogwu Onoja, emphasized that the planned protest would contravene a valid court order and could further jeopardize public safety and essential services in the capital.
The court’s decision is expected to maintain industrial peace in Abuja while the national industrial court proceeds to hear and determine the underlying labour dispute.
