Abuja — The National Industrial Court (NIC) in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three labour leaders from embarking on any form of strike or protest within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Sibilim issued the interim order on Monday following an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration (FCTA). The suit was instituted through Dr. Ogwu James Onoja (SAN) and marked NICN/ABJ/30/26.
The court specifically restrained the NLC, TUC, and Comrades Benson Upah, General N.A. Toro, and Stephen Knabayi, alongside their agents or privies, from undertaking any industrial action pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice.
Justice Sibilim further directed the 5th to 9th defendants—identified as security agencies—to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order across the nation’s capital.
According to the claimants, the Chairman of the FCT Council of Labour Unions had circulated a mobilisation message to union members and affiliates for a mass protest scheduled for February 3, an action they argued was in clear violation of earlier court orders.
The FCTA told the court that despite an interlocutory injunction granted on January 27, 2026, restraining the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), its affiliate unions, and FCTA employees from continuing industrial action, the unions allegedly issued fresh directives to sustain the strike.
Court documents revealed that immediately after service of the January 27 order, the NLC and TUC jointly circulated statements urging workers to intensify the strike, citing an appeal reportedly filed by their counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), against the interlocutory ruling. JUAC subsequently issued a circular directing workers to continue the industrial action.
The claimants argued that these actions were aimed at causing a breakdown of law and order in the FCT, disrupting vehicular movement, and infringing on the rights of residents, private sector workers, other government establishments, expatriates, and tourists.
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They recalled that the industrial action, which began on January 19, 2026, involved the closure of FCTA offices, schools, departments, and agencies, effectively grounding governmental activities in the territory.
Justice Sibilim, after listening to the claimants’ submissions, granted the interim restraining order and adjourned the matter to February 10, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.
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