Amanze Chinonye
The National Industrial Court (NICN) has ordered staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to suspend their ongoing strike as the court prepares to hear the substantive case filed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Prime Business Africa reports.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim, presiding over the matter, ruled that all industrial action must cease immediately following the referral of the dispute to the court, pending a final determination. The minister had approached the court seeking an order compelling striking workers to return to their official duties.
In the originating summons, the minister named the President and Secretary of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) as defendants. The court cited Section 18(1)(e) of the Trade Disputes Act, noting that once a trade dispute is formally brought before the National Industrial Court, any ongoing strike or industrial action must be suspended to allow the legal process to take its course.
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Justice Subilim warned that non-compliance with the Act could attract legal sanctions. He also emphasized that maintaining public interest and uninterrupted service delivery in Abuja outweighs the temporary inconvenience of halting the strike.
The court has adjourned the substantive hearing to March 25, 2026, when the full matter will be addressed.
The strike, which began on January 19, 2026, involves workers of the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
The industrial action has disrupted operations across all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals, following workers’ complaints of unmet demands, including five months of unpaid salaries, long-outstanding promotion arrears, and poor working conditions.
The ruling marks a critical legal step in the dispute, as both the FCTA and the unions await the March hearing to determine the future of the industrial action.
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.
