The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged its affiliate unions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to continue the ongoing strike by FCT Administration employees, despite a court decision ordering that the industrial action be halted.
The decision was stated in a circular dated January 27, 2026, signed by Benson Upah, the NLC’s acting general secretary.
In a circular written to the presidents and general secretaries of all Abuja-based unions, the NLC stated that it was “reaffirming and reinforcing” its earlier directives for workers to continue the strike action until their demands were fully realized.
“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 reads.
The NLC underlined that issues such as unpaid salary awards and promotion arrears, non-remittance of pension and National Housing Fund deductions, and alleged worker intimidation still had to be addressed.
“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 5:00pm at designated venues across the FCT.”
The NLC cautioned that any pullout from the strike at this point would encourage additional breaches 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 reads.
On Tuesday, a national industrial court in Abuja ordered workers on the payroll of the FCTA to suspend the strike.
Emmanuel Subilim, the presiding judge, ruled that, while the case before the court constituted a trade dispute, the defendants’ ability to engage in industrial action was not unlimited.
He ruled that once a disagreement has been sent to the national industrial court, any existing strike must be suspended awaiting the outcome of the case.
On Tuesday, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stated that any striking FCTA employee who fails to resume work following the court decision will face sanctions.
“Are there no consequences for disobeying the law? Must we allow people 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.”
