Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court has ordered workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to suspend their ongoing industrial action pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons.
The ruling followed an application filed by FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, seeking a court order compelling the workers to return to duty.
In the suit, the FCT Minister named the President and the Secretary of the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) as respondents.
Justice Subilim held that the industrial action, including strikes, must be suspended once a dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court.
Citing Section 18(1)E of the Trade Dispute Act, the court noted that the suspension ensures the dispute is properly resolved, and that ongoing strikes must halt upon the commencement of a suit by originating summons, which constitutes a referral.
The judge further stated that failure to comply with Section 18 of the Act may attract sanctions.
He emphasised that public interest in maintaining industrial peace outweighs any inconvenience caused by suspending the strike.
The case has been adjourned to 25 March 2026 for hearing.
On 19 January, FCTA workers commenced an industrial action, shutting down activities across Abuja, over what they described as ‘unmet demands’ by the Federal Government.
The strike affected all FCTA secretariats, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals.
