Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress, on Monday picketed the National Industrial Court in Abuja as their total and indefinite strike entered a new phase over unresolved labour disputes.
The protest followed a directive by the NLC backing the industrial action, which it described as justified in view of what it called persistent violations of workers’ rights by the FCTA management and political leadership.
The workers also used the protest to openly demand the removal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Wike must go!”, “Abuja no be Rivers”, “Pay promotion arrears”, “Enough is enough”, “Pay us our pension now”, “Respect civil service rules” and “No working tools”, the protesters marched peacefully around the court premises.
Several unions, including the Nigerian Union of Teachers, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, the National Union of Electricity Employees and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT chapters, joined the action in solidarity.
Following consultations with the leadership of the Joint Unions Action Congress over the weekend, the NLC accused the FCTA of wage abuse, intimidation of workers and failure to meet statutory obligations. It consequently directed all its affiliate unions in the FCT to align with and intensify the strike, insisting that the dispute had wider implications beyond the FCTA workforce.
Meanwhile, JUAC commended the workers for what it described as their discipline and unity during the court appearance. In a statement signed by its FCT Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Umar Saleh, the union said the large turnout and peaceful conduct of the protesters reflected their resolve to pursue their demands through lawful means.
“Your presence and peaceful conduct have once again demonstrated our unity and collective resolve in the pursuit of our legitimate welfare demands,” Saleh said.
He explained that the appearance marked the opening stage of the legal process and urged workers to remain steadfast by attending subsequent proceedings.
“We encourage all workers to sustain this spirit of solidarity by coming out again tomorrow, as today’s court appearance was only the first phase, and tomorrow will be the continuation of the case at the National Industrial Court,” he added.
JUAC expressed confidence that sustained unity would strengthen the workers’ case. “Together, we will ensure that our voices are heard and justice is served,” the statement read, urging members to remain united because “united we stand, divided we fall.”
The court appearance followed earlier plans by JUAC to mobilise workers across the FCT for a peaceful solidarity march after the FCT minister instituted legal action against the unions. The ongoing strike, which began last Monday after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum, has paralysed activities across major FCTA offices in Abuja, including the FCTA Secretariat, where security operatives were deployed to restrict access.
Despite claims by FCTA management that most of the workers’ demands had been met, the unions dismissed the assertions, insisting that core issues remained unresolved.
The dispute escalated to the courts after Wike filed a suit at the Abuja Division of the National Industrial Court. The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/17/2026 and presided over by Justice E. D. Subilim, lists the FCT Minister and the FCTA as claimants, while the JUAC Chairman, Rifkatu Iortyer, and Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh, are named as defendants in their representative capacities.
The claimants are seeking an order restraining the unions and their agents from picketing, blocking roads, shutting offices or engaging in any action capable of disrupting the administration of the FCT. At an earlier hearing, the court granted leave for substituted service of court processes on the defendants through publication in a national daily and by pasting at the JUAC office within the FCTA Secretariat.
At Monday’s hearing, counsel to the workers’ unions, Maxwell Opara, urged the court to dismiss the motion for an interlocutory injunction, arguing that granting the relief sought would amount to determining the substantive suit at a preliminary stage.
Citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Opara Agwu & Anor v. Julius Berger Plc, Opara argued that compelling workers to resume duties while salaries and entitlements remained unpaid was risky. He also urged the court to consider arbitration and compel the FCT minister to attend.
After hearing arguments, Justice Subilim adjourned the matter until Tuesday, January 27, 2026, for ruling.
FCTA workers protesting at the National Industrial Court in Abuja. Photo: Gift Habib
FCTA workers protesting at the National Industrial Court in Abuja. Photo: Gift HabibDetails later…