FCTA Workers Resume Indefinite Strike Despite Court Order

Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the umbrella of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), on Thursday resumed the indefinite strike earlier declared on January 19 over unresolved welfare concerns.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that activities remained largely paralyzed across FCTA Secretariats, Departments and Agencies, as only a handful of workers were sighted at their duty posts. This was a sharp contrast to the large turnout recorded on Wednesday when workers briefly returned following official directives.

The renewed strike followed JUAC’s instruction to workers to stay at home, in response to the appeal filed against the ruling of the National Industrial Court. On January 27, the court had ordered the suspension of the strike and adjourned the matter to March 23. JUAC, through its lead counsel, Femi Falana, SAN, subsequently appealed the ruling.

In line with the court order, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCTA, Mrs Nancy Nathan, had directed workers to resume duties on Wednesday. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, also warned that sanctions would await any worker who failed to comply, while assuring staff that the administration was open to dialogue and that most of their demands had been met.

However, JUAC Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh, in a circular issued on Wednesday, announced the continuation of the strike from Thursday, urging workers to remain at home and pray for the success of the action. He emphasized that the struggle required unity, discipline and steadfast commitment.

Saleh also recalled a joint communique by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued on January 28, which called on FCT workers to courageously defend their rights. The labour unions argued that the interlocutory injunction obtained by the FCTA was directed at JUAC leadership and not the affiliated trade unions.

In a communique signed by NLC Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, and TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, the unions maintained that the strike would continue until meaningful negotiations are held with the FCT Minister.