The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has ordered its affiliate unions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to continue the ongoing strike by workers of the FCT Administration, openly defying a court order directing the suspension of the industrial action. In a circular issued on January 27, 2026, the labour centre urged workers to intensify the strike until all outstanding demands are fully met, escalating tensions between organised labour and the FCT Administration.
The directive, signed by Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary of the NLC, was addressed to presidents and general secretaries of all Abuja-based affiliate unions. The Congress said it was reinforcing earlier instructions, insisting that the strike must continue despite judicial intervention.
“We hereby reaffirm and reinforce the directive to all affiliate unions in the FCT to not only proceed with the ongoing action but to intensify and sustain it until all workers’ demands are fully addressed,” the circular stated.
Issues Fueling the Strike
According to the NLC, unresolved grievances include unpaid wage awards and promotion arrears, non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions, as well as alleged intimidation and victimisation of workers.
The labour centre described the alleged violations as “grave and unacceptable,” warning that backing down would embolden further breaches of workers’ rights.
Mobilisation and Strike Directives
The NLC directed all affiliate unions to maintain full participation in the strike, strengthen mobilisation efforts and ensure members attend daily prayer and solidarity sessions from 8:00am to 5:00pm at designated locations across the FCT.
“This struggle demands unity, discipline and unwavering commitment. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the Congress warned.
Court Order and Legal Position
The escalation follows a ruling on Tuesday by the National Industrial Court (NIC) in Abuja, which ordered workers on the FCT Administration payroll to suspend the strike.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Emmanuel Subilim held that while the dispute qualifies as a trade dispute, the right to strike is not absolute. He ruled that once a matter is before the court, any ongoing industrial action must cease pending final determination.
Wike Issues Fresh Warning
Also on Tuesday, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike warned that workers who fail to resume duty in compliance with the court order would face sanctions.
“Are there no consequences for disobeying the law?” Wike asked.
“I have given them a window, but from tomorrow, if they don’t come to work, we will apply the big stick.”
He further warned that any attempt to block access to government facilities would be met with decisive action.
The NLC’s directive deepens the standoff between organised labour and the FCT Administration, raising the risk of mass sanctions, legal enforcement and prolonged disruption of public services in Abuja. Observers say the confrontation could test the limits of labour rights, judicial authority and political negotiation in Nigeria’s industrial relations framework.
