Amanze Chinonye
The National Industrial Court (NICN) in Abuja has fixed Tuesday, January 27, 2026, to deliver a ruling on an application filed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike seeking to halt the ongoing strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The industrial action, led by the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), has paralyzed operations across FCTA offices. Workers cite unresolved welfare issues, including five months of unpaid salaries, long-outstanding promotion arrears, and poor working conditions, as reasons for the strike.
In the suit, Minister Wike and the FCTA are listed as claimants, while the President and Secretary of JUAC, Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Saleh, are named as defendants. The application seeks to compel the striking workers to resume duties immediately.
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During Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the defendants, Maxwell Okpara, requested that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) be joined as respondents, arguing that their inclusion would make any court order binding on them. However, counsel to the FCT Minister, James Onoja, SAN, opposed the request, insisting the suit was properly constituted against only the two defendants, who are not registered under the Trade Union Act.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim, ruling on the joinder application, held that since the claimants chose to sue only the two JUAC officials, the court could not compel the addition of the NLC or TUC. He subsequently adjourned the matter for ruling on January 27.
The strike has already crippled essential services in the Federal Capital Territory, and both the FCTA and striking workers await the court’s decision, which could determine whether the industrial action is restrained or allowed to continue.
Security remained tight at the FCTA Secretariat and court complex, with police, Department of State Services (DSS), and civil defence personnel deployed to prevent escalation.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
