The National Industrial Court in Abuja has barred the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, and several of their officials from carrying out any strike or protest within the Federal Capital Territory.
The order was issued on Monday by Justice Emmanuel Subilim following an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, alongside the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Also affected by the ruling are the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah; the TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro; and the Chairman of the FCT chapter of the NLC, Stephen Knabayi.
The application, dated February 2 and filed under suit number NICN/ABJ/30/26, was submitted by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, James Onoja, on behalf of the minister and the FCTA.
After considering the arguments presented by the claimants, the court granted an interim injunction stopping the unions, their representatives, and associates from organising or participating in any form of industrial action until the motion on notice is heard and decided.
Justice Subilim also instructed security agencies listed in the suit to maintain peace and prevent any disruption of public order within the capital.
According to the claimants, the decision to approach the court followed reports that the FCT NLC chairman had circulated a message mobilising members and affiliated unions for a mass protest scheduled for February 3, despite an earlier court order.
They explained that the court had previously issued an interlocutory injunction on January 27, 2026, which was served on the unions the same day. However, they alleged that the NLC and TUC encouraged their members to continue the strike, citing an appeal reportedly filed by their lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN).
The claimants further stated that the Joint Unions Action Committee later released a circular directing workers to sustain the industrial action, which they warned could destabilise activities in Abuja.
The matter has been adjourned to February 10 for further hearing.
In an affidavit supporting the application, the claimants said workers under the Joint Unions Action Committee had begun an industrial action on January 19 by locking entrances to offices and the FCTA secretariat. They claimed the protest led to the shutdown of schools, departments, and agencies, effectively paralysing government operations.
They noted that the administration sought legal intervention through an earlier case, NICN/ABJ/17/2026, where the court restrained the unions and ordered workers to return to duty pending the final determination of the suit.
Despite this, the claimants alleged that union leaders issued fresh directives encouraging members to resume the strike immediately after being served with the court order. They cited several circulars, including one titled “Reinforcement Directive to All Affiliate Unions in the FCT” and another urging workers to “Defend Your Rights With Courage and Dignity.”
They added that another notice, reportedly signed by JUAC’s secretary, instructed workers to continue the action, while the FCT NLC chairman later mobilised affiliates for a city-wide protest.
The claimants argued that the planned protest could obstruct movement, threaten public safety, and disrupt normal activities for residents, businesses, and visitors, prompting their request for the court’s intervention.
