The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliate unions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to continue the ongoing strike by workers of the FCT Administration (FCTA), despite a court order directing that the industrial action be suspended.
The directive was contained in a circular dated January 27, 2026, and signed by Benson Upah, the acting general secretary of the NLC.
In the circular addressed to presidents and general secretaries of all Abuja-based unions, the NLC said it was “reaffirming and reinforcing” its earlier instructions for workers to sustain the strike action until their demands are fully met.
“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 read.
The NLC noted that issues such as unpaid wage awards and promotion arrears, non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions, as well as alleged intimidation of workers, remain unresolved.
“These violations are grave, unacceptable, and incompatible with the principles of fairness, justice, and decent work,” the NLC said.
“Affiliate unions are therefore directed to fully maintain participation in the industrial action; reinforce mobilisation of members for all congress-approved activities; and mobilise members to continuously participate in daily prayer and solidarity sessions from 8:00am to 5:00 pm at designated venues across the FCT.”
The NLC warned against any withdrawal from the strike at this stage, saying such action would embolden further violations against workers.
“This struggle demands unity, discipline, and unwavering commitment. All affiliates are expected to comply strictly with this directive in the collective interest of the Nigerian working class. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the circular stated.
On Tuesday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja ordered workers on the payroll of the FCT Administration (FCTA) to suspend the strike.
Delivering the ruling, Emmanuel Subilim, presiding judge, held that although the matter before the court amounted to a trade dispute, the defendants’ right to embark on industrial action was not absolute.
He ruled that once a dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court, any ongoing strike must cease pending the determination of the case.
Also on Tuesday, Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, said any striking FCTA employee who fails to resume work following the court order would face consequences.
“Are there no consequences for disobeying the law? Must we allow people to break the law flagrantly? I have given them a window, but from tomorrow, if they don’t come to work, we will apply the big stick,” Wike said.
“From tomorrow (Wednesday), if we see anybody who wants to block the gate, they will be made a scapegoat. The law must take its place.”
