A fresh confrontation between organised labour and the Federal Capital Territory Administration was halted on Monday after a court barred the NLC and TUC from staging protests or strikes in Abuja over grievances against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The National Industrial Court (NIC), Abuja, on Monday restrained the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three labour leaders from embarking on any strike or protest within the Federal Capital Territory.
Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Sibilim issued the interim order while ruling on an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration (FCTA).
Those restrained alongside the labour centres are Comrades Benson Upah, General N.A. Toro, and Stephen Knabayi.
The application, dated February 2, was brought pursuant to Suit No: NICN/ABJ/30/26 and argued by Dr. Ogwu James Onoja (SAN) on behalf of the minister and the FCTA.
After hearing the claimants, Justice Sibilim ordered the respondents, their agents, and affiliates to desist from any form of industrial action pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice. The court further directed security agencies listed as defendants to ensure that law and order are maintained across the FCT.
The FCTA told the court that the Chairman of the FCT Council of Labour had circulated mobilisation messages calling for a mass protest scheduled for February 3—an action the claimants said directly violated an earlier court order.
According to court filings, workers under the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) had, on January 19, shut down FCTA offices, schools, and agencies, effectively grounding government operations in Abuja.
In response, the court had on January 27 granted an interlocutory injunction restraining JUAC and affiliated unions from continuing the strike and ordered workers to resume duties pending the determination of the substantive suit.
However, the claimants alleged that despite being served with the order the same day, the NLC and TUC issued fresh directives urging workers to defy the court ruling and continue the strike, citing an appeal reportedly filed by their counsel, Femi Falana (SAN).
Further directives allegedly followed, including a circular mobilising workers for a mass protest in the FCT, which the claimants argued was capable of triggering chaos, obstructing movement, and disrupting the rights of residents, businesses, expatriates, and tourists in the nation’s capital.
Justice Sibilim adjourned the matter to February 10, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.
Court Blocks Labour Strike, Bars NLC, TUC from Protesting in Abuja
