FCT COURT PROHIBITS NLC, TUC AND OTHERS FROM CARRYING OUT PLANNED PROTEST
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By : Muftau Fatimo
Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Sibilim of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, has barred the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three individuals from engaging in any form of industrial action or protest within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The three individuals restrained by the court on Monday are Comrades Benson Upah, General N.A. Toro, and Stephen Knabayi.
The order followed an ex-parte application filed on February 2 by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration against the labour unions and their leaders. The motion, part of Suit No: NICN/ABJ/30/26, was filed by Dr. Ogwu James Onoja (SAN) on behalf of the Minister and the FCTA.
After considering the claimants’ submission, Justice Sibilim granted an interim order restraining the 1st to 5th respondents and their agents or associates from initiating any strike action pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The court also directed the 5th to 9th defendants, who are security agencies, to ensure that law and order are maintained across the FCT.
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The claimants informed the court that the Chairman of the FCT Council of Labour Unions had issued a mobilization notice to members and affiliated unions for a mass protest scheduled for February 3, which allegedly contravenes existing court orders.
According to the claimants, following a court ruling on January 27, the order was served on the defendants the same day. Despite this, the NLC and TUC issued a joint statement directing all affiliated unions to escalate and continue the strike.
The statement, signed by both unions, instructed striking workers to resume industrial action, citing that their legal counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), had filed an appeal against the interlocutory ruling. Subsequently, JUAC circulated a memo directing all employees to persist with the strike.
The claimants contended that these actions were intended to disrupt law and order in the nation’s capital.
The court has adjourned the matter until February 10 for the hearing of the motion on notice.
The FCT Minister and FCTA stated that the application was based on the fact that:
“On January 19, 2026, workers employed by the 2nd claimant, operating under the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), initiated an industrial action by locking entrances to the offices and secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, including schools and all departments and agencies of the 2nd claimant, effectively bringing governmental functions and activities to a halt.”
They noted that being law-abiding, the Claimants instituted action at the National Industrial Court, Abuja, in Suit No: NICN/ABJ/17/2026 between the FCT Minister & Anor v. Rifkatu Iortyer & Anor, wherein the court on January 27, 2026, granted an interlocutory injunction restraining JUAC, its affiliate unions, and employees of the 2nd Claimant from further industrial action and ordered them to resume work pending the substantive suit.
“Immediately the order was served, the 1st Defendant, acting through the 3rd Defendant, issued a directive titled: ‘REINFORCEMENT DIRECTIVE TO ALL AFFILIATE UNIONS IN THE FCT,’ urging workers to resume industrial action.”
“On January 28, 2026, the 1st and 2nd Defendants jointly issued another directive titled: ‘DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS WITH COURAGE AND DIGNITY: WE ARE WITH YOU,’ directing workers to resume industrial action and disregard the National Industrial Court order of January 27, 2026.”
“JUAC, the umbrella body for the employees and affiliate unions, followed these directives and instructed members to resume strike, as documented in the directive dated January 28, 2026, signed by Comrade Abdullahi Umar Saleh, Secretary, JUAC.”
“Acting on these directives, the 5th Defendant, as chairperson of the 1st Defendant FCT Council, issued a directive on January 31, 2026, mobilizing members for a mass protest in the FCT on February 3, 2026, at 7:00 am. This action was intended to cause chaos, disrupt law and order, and prevent the smooth administration of the 2nd Claimant.”
The claimants raised concerns about possible lawlessness, traffic disruptions, and infringements on the rights of residents—including those in the private sector, other government agencies, expatriates, and tourists—which led them to seek judicial intervention.
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