The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja has ordered workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to suspend their ongoing strike that has brought operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to a standstill. Justice E.D. Subilim granted an interlocutory injunction filed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), restraining JUAC and its leaders from continuing the industrial action.
The injunction, delivered on Tuesday, covers the Chairman and Secretary of JUAC, along with their agents and affiliates, preventing them from picketing or participating in further strike activities. Justice Subilim emphasized that while trade disputes are legally recognized, the right to strike is not absolute once a dispute is referred to the National Industrial Court, and any ongoing strike must pause pending the court’s determination.
The court adjourned the substantive hearing to March 23, 2026. The case arises from a crippling strike that began last week after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued by labour unions, shutting down key FCTA offices and disrupting public services across Abuja. JUAC had insisted that unresolved issues, including unpaid entitlements and welfare grievances, remained outstanding despite claims by FCTA management that most demands had been addressed.
During proceedings, JUAC’s counsel argued that granting the injunction would prematurely decide the matter at the interlocutory stage. In contrast, counsel to the FCTA, James Onoja (SAN), maintained that JUAC was not legally registered under the Trade Union Act and that the strike was therefore illegal. The injunction now temporarily halts the industrial action as the court prepares for a full hearing.