- However, he alleged that despite the order, the NLC and TUC issued statements encouraging affiliates to sustain the strike
- The court further directed security agencies listed as defendants to ensure that law and order are maintained across the territory
- The affidavit stated that the disruption paralysed official activities, prompting the FCTA to approach the court for relief
The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has restrained the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from embarking on any form of strike or protest within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Eko Hot Blog reports that the interim injunction was granted on Tuesday by Justice Emmanuel Sibilim, following an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, alongside the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
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The court also extended the restraining order to key labour leaders, including Comrades Benson Upah, General NA Toro and Stephen Knabayi, who were listed as respondents in the suit.
The application, marked NICN/ABJ/30/26, was moved by a legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, James Onoja, who urged the court to prevent any industrial action pending the hearing of the substantive motion.
In his ruling, Justice Sibilim barred the first to fifth respondents, as well as their agents and affiliates, from proceeding with any strike action in the FCT until the matter is fully determined.
The court further directed security agencies listed as defendants to ensure that law and order are maintained across the territory.
The claimants told the court that the FCT Council chairman had allegedly circulated mobilisation messages to union members and affiliates, calling for a mass protest scheduled for February 3. They argued that such action violated an existing court order.
According to the FCT Minister, an earlier injunction issued on January 27 had already restrained labour unions from further industrial action.
However, he alleged that despite the order, the NLC and TUC issued statements encouraging affiliates to sustain the strike, citing an appeal against the court’s decision.
Wike maintained that the directives were capable of disrupting public peace and undermining governance in the nation’s capital.
Meanwhile, the court has adjourned the substantive matter to February 10 for hearing.
In an affidavit filed in support of the motion, the FCT Minister and the FCTA recounted that workers under the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) had commenced an industrial action on January 19, 2026, which reportedly led to the shutdown of government offices, schools and agencies within the FCT.
The affidavit stated that the disruption paralysed official activities, prompting the FCTA to approach the court for relief.
It further alleged that despite being served with the court’s restraining order, labour leaders issued fresh directives urging workers to ignore the ruling and resume industrial action.
The claimants also accused JUAC officials of mobilising workers for a mass protest in Abuja on February 3, raising fears of traffic obstruction, public disorder and infringement on the rights of residents, businesses, expatriates and visitors in the FCT.
They said the court action became necessary to prevent a breakdown of law and order and ensure the smooth administration of the territory.
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