Wike: It’s distasteful – NLC rejects court decision against FCT workers, reveals next move
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has rejected the decision of the National Industrial Court.
Recall that on Tuesday, the court ruled on an injunction filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration, compelling workers under the Joint Union Action Committee to suspend their ongoing strike.
The Industrial Court ruling ordered FCTA workers to suspend the strike action.
Reacting in a statement, Benson Upah, NLC Acting Secretary, said Nigerian workers are dismayed by the court’s decision.
The NLC decried that the court failed to consider the injustice faced by Nigerian workers under the FCTA.
“We are dismayed by the ruling of the National Industrial Court today, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in the matter between the Minister of FCT/FCTA versus workers or employees of FCT.
It is in light of this that we find it distasteful that the court did not think it necessary to do justice to workers by way of even a tokenistic injunctive relief.
The combined effects of a long adjournment and denial of injunctive relief are irredeemably damaging to the cause of the workers and are suggestive of the interests of the court in this matter.
The Minister of the FCT, taking the cue, did not wait for the ink on the court order paper to dry before issuing threats of sack to workers. We doubt that reasonable conversation can hold in such a toxic situation.
If the intention of the court is to break the strike as well as weaken the resolve of the injured workers, then it is mistaken! Our hearts can never be broken, and workers are urged to remain resolute in their convictions.
We equally find it necessary to add that there is a certain risk we all run when some courts elect to write themselves into oblivion. We as a nation must not take that dangerous path.
Through this statement, we put on notice all institutions, organizations, or individuals violating the provisions of the Pension Fund Act and National Housing Fund Act for a serious engagement.
Workers and organs of the Congress are similarly urged to be on high alert to ensure the implementation of this engagement in case someone thinks we are bluffing,” the statement reads.
