…Wike stressed that the rule of law must be upheld
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, on Tuesday directed striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to immediately resume duties or risk legal consequences, following a ruling by the National Industrial Court ordering the suspension of the strike that has crippled public services in Abuja for more than a week.
Addressing journalists after the court’s verdict, Wike stressed that the rule of law must be upheld, alleging that political interests had taken over the industrial action for reasons unrelated to workers’ welfare.
Wike said the FCT Administration was already engaged in mediation before politicians allegedly hijacked the strike, describing some of the workers’ demands as frivolous, unreasonable, or already resolved.
According to Wike, the FCTA resorted to legal action after concluding that the strike had been politicised, despite ongoing dialogue and efforts to address many of the workers’ grievances.
He underscored the administration’s commitment to staff welfare, citing prompt salary payments and ongoing reforms in the civil service.
Wike revealed that over ₦12 billion had recently been approved for the payment of January salaries to FCTA workers, describing it as a clear demonstration of the government’s dedication to its workforce.
Highlighting improved revenue performance under his watch, Wike said the FCT had generated more than ₦30 billion in internally generated revenue, marking a significant rise from previous years.
He called on workers to acknowledge reforms introduced by the administration, such as the creation of the Civil Service Commission and major infrastructure projects across the territory.
“Workers are largely responsible for the underdevelopment witnessed in states, including the FCT,” he stated.
Wike also refuted reports claiming he was chased out of his office during protests related to the strike, insisting that the claims were false.
“I was not chased out of my office,” he said, clarifying that he only stepped out to accompany President Bola Tinubu to the airport.
Taking a tough position, the minister cautioned against any further disruption of government activities.
“Anyone who attempts to lock the gates again will be used as an example, because the law must be respected,” he warned.
He further alleged that some senior civil servants were behind the continued strike, accusing certain directors of instigating the action, but stressed that this would not deter the administration from doing what it considers right.
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Wike stressed that dialogue between workers and the government did not hinge on personal access to him, stating that meeting him directly was not an entitlement. He pointed out that workers’ representatives had remained in constant engagement with management throughout the duration of the dispute.
He further warned that any staff who failed to obey the court order and return to work immediately would be subjected to legal consequences, indicating a more stringent enforcement approach as the FCTA moves to fully restore public services.
Employees of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the Joint Union Action Committee, had commenced an indefinite strike on January 19 in protest over unresolved welfare issues.
Following an application filed by Wike, the National Industrial Court issued an interlocutory injunction halting the strike. Justice E.D. Subilim granted the order on January 21 and adjourned the matter to March 23, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive suit.
In his ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Subilim held that the defendants’ right to strike was not absolute.
The judge noted that the defendants’ right to embark on industrial action is not unlimited but regulated by law. He barred workers from continuing the strike once the dispute had been referred to the court and directed that any ongoing industrial action must stop pending the court’s determination.
Granting an interlocutory injunction, the court restrained the defendants and respondents, their agents and representatives, as well as all members of the Joint Unions Action Committee, from engaging in further industrial action, including strikes, picketing, lockouts, or any form of obstruction against the claimants, parastatals, or political appointees.
Counsel to the claimants, James Onoja (SAN), welcomed the ruling and urged the unions to comply with the order and resume work to allow space for mediation.
He commended the court for halting the strike, describing the decision as commendable and expressing hope that it would enable constructive dialogue. He appealed to the unions to promote industrial harmony by returning to work and embracing mediation.
Counsel for the respondents, Maxwell Opara, described the workers as law-abiding citizens and assured the court that he would advise the unions to comply with the order.
He noted that the court had also directed the parties to commence mediation in line with the law, emphasizing that compliance was mandatory.
JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, confirmed that the workers would obey the court’s directive, call off the strike, and return to work immediately while continuing to pursue other outstanding concerns.
She reiterated that the workers are law-abiding citizens and would resume work pending their next court appearance.
