(FCT) to suspend their ongoing strike.
The court granted an interlocutory injunction filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration against the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
In the suit marked NICN/ABJ/17/2026, the claimants sought an order restraining JUAC officials and members from embarking on or continuing any form of industrial action, including strikes, picketing, or lockouts.
Delivering his ruling on Tuesday, Justice E.D. Subilim held that although the dispute qualified as a trade dispute, the right of workers to embark on industrial action was not absolute under the law.
“The defendants’ right to embark on industrial action is not absolute, but circumscribed by law,” the judge ruled.
Justice Subilim stated that once a labour dispute is referred to the National Industrial Court, workers are prohibited from continuing with a strike. He added that any ongoing strike must cease pending the determination of the case.
The court held that the claimants had established sufficient grounds for the grant of the injunction and consequently restrained JUAC members from further industrial action.
The order bars the unions from actions capable of disrupting government operations, including blocking roads, obstructing vehicular movement, or interfering with the activities of government agencies, parastatals, and political appointees. The injunction will remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The matter was adjourned to March 23, 2026, for hearing.
Reacting to the ruling, counsel to the claimants, James Onoja, SAN, welcomed the decision, describing it as an opportunity for dialogue and mediation between the parties. He appealed to the unions to comply with the order and return to work in the interest of industrial harmony.
Counsel to the respondents, Maxwell Opara, assured the court that the workers would respect the ruling, noting that the unions are law-abiding.
Meanwhile, JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, confirmed that workers would comply with the court order, suspend the strike, and resume work immediately while awaiting the next court appearance.
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