The National Industrial Court of Nigeria sitting in Abuja has granted an interlocutory injunction compelling workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to suspend their ongoing strike action, following a suit filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration.

The ruling, delivered on Tuesday by Justice E.D. Subilim, restrains the unions, their leaders, agents, and members from embarking on any further industrial action, picketing, or obstruction pending the determination of the substantive suit. Akahi News learnt that the case is registered as suit number NICN/ABJ/17/2026.

Court Declares Right to Strike Not Absolute

In his ruling, Justice Subilim held that although the dispute before the court qualifies as a trade dispute and had met the required legal conditions, the defendants’ right to embark on industrial action is not absolute and remains subject to statutory limitations.

“The defendant’s right to an industrial action is not absolute, but as circumscribed by law,” the judge stated.

He further ruled that once a trade dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court, workers are prohibited from participating in a strike. Where such action is already ongoing, it must cease pending the determination of the case.

According to Akahi News, the court was satisfied that the claimants established a compelling case that warranted the granting of the interlocutory injunction.

Justice Subilim’s order restrains the defendants, their representatives, and all members of JUAC from engaging in any industrial action, strike, picketing, lockout, or any activity capable of obstructing the operations of the FCT Administration, its parastatals, or political appointees. The order also prohibits actions such as blocking roads, obstructing vehicular movement, or any conduct aimed at frustrating official business activities.

The injunction will remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons.

Substantive Suit Adjourned to March 23

The court adjourned the matter until March 23, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive suit. Observers say the outcome of the case could have broader implications for labour relations and dispute resolution mechanisms within the public sector.

Akahi News gathered that the suit was instituted by the FCT Minister and the FCT Administration against the Chairman of JUAC, Rifkatu Iortyer, and the Secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, seeking to restrain the union from further industrial actions.

Claimants Welcome Ruling, Call for Dialogue

Counsel for the claimants, James Onoja, SAN, welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as an opportunity for both parties to engage constructively and restore industrial harmony.

He appealed to the unions to obey the court order and immediately return to work, while allowing room for mediation.

“We commend the court for making an order for the stopping of the strike, restraining the workers from going on strike, or continuing with the strike. I think this is commendable because it is going to allow the parties to discuss.

“Our plea to the Union is that they should allow industrial harmony. They should go back to work and allow for mediation, because to me, it’s like a family matter, and this is an opportunity that the Union should take,” he said.

Analysts believe that effective mediation could prevent a prolonged dispute that may disrupt essential services in the Federal Capital Territory.

Unions Pledge Compliance with Court Order

On the other side, counsel for the respondents, Maxwell Opara, assured that the workers are law-abiding citizens and would comply fully with the ruling.

“The workers are law-abiding citizens. We are going to advise them to respect the court. The one good thing is that the court has also mandated that we commence mediation, not as a matter of advice, in line with the law.

“Now that we are in court, we are going to do the formal application. So, we are going to comply with the ruling whichever way, whether it is effective, whether it is ineffective, we must comply with it,” Opara said.

JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, also confirmed that the workers would obey the order, call off the strike, and immediately return to work, while continuing to pursue their demands through lawful channels.

“We are law-abiding citizens, and because they have said we should return to work, we are returning to work, pending our next appearance,” she stated.

Implications for Industrial Harmony in the FCT

Akahi News observes that the ruling temporarily restores stability across FCT public services, which had been affected by the industrial action. However, sustainable peace will depend largely on the success of mediation efforts and the willingness of both parties to address underlying grievances.

Labour experts note that while court injunctions can halt immediate disruptions, long-term industrial harmony requires transparent dialogue, fair negotiations, and timely implementation of agreements.

As the substantive hearing approaches, stakeholders across the labour and governance sectors will be watching closely to see how the dispute evolves and what precedent it may set for future industrial actions within Nigeria’s public service framework.

For continuous updates on governance, labour relations, and judicial developments, stay connected with Akahi News.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
Akahi News www.akahinews.org