The National Industrial Court will rule on the Wike FCT strike suit as unions resist an injunction amid a paralysing Abuja shutdown
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja, on Tuesday fixed January 27, 2026, to rule on a suit filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration against leaders of the Joint Union Action Committee.
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Justice E.D. Subilim adjourned the matter after hearing arguments from counsel to both sides at the Abuja division of the court.
The claimants sued the JUAC Chairman, Rifkatu Iortyer, and the Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, in suit number NICN/ABJ/17/2026.
They seek an interlocutory injunction to restrain any industrial action, picketing or lockout.
The Wike FCT strike suit comes amid an ongoing stoppage that began last Monday after a seven day ultimatum expired. The action has paralysed major FCTA offices in Abuja.
Activities remained grounded at the FCTA Secretariat, where security operatives restricted access.
FCTA management said it had met most workers’ demands. The JUAC rejected the claim, insisting core issues remain unresolved.
At Monday’s hearing, counsel to the workers, Maxwell Opara, urged the court to dismiss the motion.
He argued the reliefs would determine the substantive suit prematurely.
Opara cited the Supreme Court decision in Opara Agwu and Another v Julius Berger Plc.
He warned that ordering a work resumption without salaries posed serious risks.
He also asked the court to compel arbitration and require the FCT minister to attend mediation.
Counsel to the claimants, James Onoja SAN, challenged the union’s legal standing. He said JUAC lacked juristic personality under relevant labour laws.
Onoja described the strike as illegal. He argued the group was not registered under the Trade Union Act.
He said government showed willingness to listen. He added that statutory processes for declaring a strike were not followed.
Opara countered that the union wrote 11 letters to the minister seeking mediation. He accused the government of using court action to intimidate workers.
He said compelling hungry workers to resume duties would be dangerous. He called for alternative dispute resolution.
Opara explained that the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress were necessary parties. He said both bodies had endorsed a solidarity strike.
Meanwhile, FCTA and Federal Capital Development Agency workers picketed the court premises before proceedings. The protest enjoyed backing from the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Demonstrators demanded the removal of the FCT minister. They accused the administration of wage abuse and intimidation.
Placards carried messages demanding payment of promotion arrears and pensions. Others called for respect for civil service rules.
Several unions joined the action, including teachers, nurses, electricity workers and journalists.
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The development underscored the growing pressure surrounding the Wike FCT strike suit.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
