Operations at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and its affiliated MDAs picked up on Wednesday after the National Industrial Court of Nigeria ordered the suspension of the ongoing workers’ strike.
The court, led by Justice E. D. Subilim, directed that the industrial action by members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) be halted immediately to allow for continued negotiations.
Reacting to the ruling, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Nyesom Wike, urged staff to return to duty, stressing that, “The right to protest is recognised, but court orders are binding and must be respected.”
The Acting Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a circular instructing all Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies (SDAs) to reopen offices and maintain attendance registers to ensure full compliance with the court’s decision.
A site visit to the FCTA and its MDAs revealed that while many employees resumed work and carried out normal duties, some staff remained absent, citing conflicting instructions from government and organised labour bodies.
JUAC President, Rifkatuu Iortyer, declined to comment extensively on the matter, noting she would address the situation only after a planned meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Observers have cautioned that any continued defiance of the court ruling could result in legal action, while strict enforcement measures by the government could escalate tensions and trigger broader labour solidarity responses.
