Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court has ordered workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to end their present industrial action pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons.
‎The ruling followed an application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, seeking a court order compelling striking FCTA workers to return to work.
‎In the suit, the FCT Minister named the President and the Secretary of the Joint Union Action Congress (JUAC) as respondents.
‎Justice Subilim held that industrial action, including strikes, must be suspended once a dispute had been referred to the National Industrial Court.
‎Citing Section 18(1)E of the Trade Dispute Act, the court noted that the suspension ensured the dispute was properly resolved, and that ongoing strikes must halt upon the start of a suit by originating summons, which constituted a referral.
‎The judge further stated that failure to comply with Section 18 of the Act may attract sanctions, noting that the public interest in maintaining industrial peace outweighed any inconvenience caused by suspending the strike.
‎The case has been adjourned to the 25th of March, 2026, for hearing.
Edited by Favour Owonibi.