Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) resumed their indefinite strike on Thursday, even after the National Industrial Court ordered an end to the industrial action.
Only a few workers were seen at the FCTA Secretariat, Departments and Agencies in Abuja, as most staff stayed away in line with JUAC’s directive to remain at home while the union pursues an appeal.
The strike began on January 19 over unresolved welfare and labour issues. JUAC filed an appeal through its lead counsel, Femi Falana, SAN, against the court’s January 27 ruling that directed the suspension of the strike and adjourned the matter to March 23.
The union’s Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh, urged workers to continue the industrial action, stating in a circular that the struggle requires “unity, discipline, and unwavering commitment.” He said the strike would persist until the FCT Minister engages with staff on their demands.
Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, warned that the filing of an appeal does not automatically stay the execution of the court order. He made the remark during the handover of 12 new ambulances across the territory.
“Let me make it clear: the mere filing of a notice of appeal does not constitute a stay of execution,” Wike said, describing the industrial action as unnecessary given that most of the workers’ demands have been addressed.
Wike stressed that litigation and strikes are not the best approaches and reaffirmed that the FCTA remains open to dialogue. He also said that when political motives are mixed with labour grievances, those involved will be treated accordingly.
The strike has drawn support from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which in a joint communiqué urged FCTA workers to defend their rights with courage and dignity. The unions emphasised that the strike should continue until negotiations with the FCT Minister produce results.
Activities at the FCTA secretariat and its agencies remained significantly reduced, with most staff absent from duty posts. The low turnout contrasted sharply with earlier stages of the strike, reflecting compliance with the union’s directive to stay at home during the appeal process.
FCTA workers, under JUAC, resumed their indefinite strike following an appeal against a National Industrial Court ruling that ordered the suspension of the industrial action.
Minister Nyesom Wike warned that appealing the ruling does not stay its execution and reiterated the administration’s willingness to engage in dialogue while cautioning against political motives in labour unrest.
