The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has welcomed a ruling by Nigeria’s National Industrial Court ordering workers in the FCT Administration (FCTA) to suspend their indefinite strike, describing it as a victory for the rule of law.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja shortly after the verdict on Tuesday, Mr Wike said the court’s decision must be obeyed, warning that anyone who defies the order or attempts to block access to government offices would face sanctions.
“The court has called off the strike. If anybody dares to block the gate again, then the law will take its course,” the minister said, adding that the administration would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting governance in the capital.
Mr Wike accused unnamed political interests of hijacking the industrial action, insisting that the FCTA would not succumb to what he described as blackmail or intimidation. While reaffirming his willingness to engage in dialogue with workers, he warned against mixing labour grievances with political agitation.
“The moment you no longer act as a worker and you now act as a politician, then we will respond accordingly,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that workers have a constitutional right to protest in a democracy but argued that most of the unions’ demands had already been met. According to him, more than 10 of the 14 issues raised by the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) had been resolved.
He said the FCTA had already paid wage awards for December, confirmed that January payments had been processed, and added that February payments were on schedule.
“If the government has met over 10 of the 14 demands, it is reasonable to allow some time for the remaining ones,” Mr Wike said, dismissing claims that the administration was unwilling to pay workers’ entitlements.
The minister also highlighted financial constraints facing the FCT, noting that the territory receives only one percent of federal revenue from the Federation Account and relies heavily on internally generated revenue (IGR). He said the FCTA’s IGR had increased from ₦9bn to ₦30bn under the current administration, helping to fund infrastructure projects and staff welfare.
Mr Wike further cited reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, including the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the appointment of the first Head of Service and permanent secretaries, and the FCTA’s exit from the Treasury Single Account to improve financial flexibility.
Earlier on Tuesday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja ordered the immediate suspension of the strike. Delivering the ruling, Justice Emmanuel Subilim granted an interlocutory injunction restraining JUAC leaders and their agents from embarking on any further industrial action, including picketing or lockouts.
The court held that under the Trade Disputes Act, once a matter is before the Industrial Court, all parties must maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case.
The matter was adjourned until 23 March 2026 for hearing of the substantive suit.
The strike, which lasted for about a week, had paralysed administrative activities across the FCTA, as workers demanded the payment of outstanding promotion arrears, wage awards and unremitted pension deductions.
If you want, I can also:
- tighten it further for broadcast script
- adapt it for online news SEO
- localise it specifically for Lagos Eye News style
About The Author
