Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) returned to their indefinite strike on Thursday, defying a National Industrial Court ruling that had briefly halted the industrial action.
The resumption followed JUAC’s decision to appeal the court’s January 27 directive ordering workers to suspend their strike over unresolved welfare concerns. The matter has been adjourned until March 23.
Thursday saw a dramatic drop in attendance at FCTA secretariats, departments, and agencies, with only a handful of workers present—a stark contrast to Wednesday’s full turnout after the court ruling.
The union filed its appeal through lead counsel Femi Falana, SAN, challenging the industrial court’s decision. JUAC Secretary Abdullahi Saleh issued a circular Wednesday instructing workers to remain home and continue the strike, calling for “unity, discipline and unwavering commitment.”
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had warned of consequences for workers who failed to report for duty and insisted that most of the union’s demands had been met. Acting Head of Civil Service Nancy Nathan had also directed all staff to resume work Wednesday.
However, the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress threw their weight behind the striking workers. In a joint statement signed by NLC acting General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro, the unions argued that the court’s interlocutory injunction targeted only JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary Saleh—not the trade unions themselves.
The labor bodies urged FCT workers to “defend their rights with courage and dignity” and insisted the strike would continue until Minister Wike engages in meaningful negotiations with the workers.
The strike, which originally began on January 19, centers on longstanding welfare issues that remain unresolved between the workers and FCTA management.
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