Abuja — The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from embarking on any form of industrial action or protest within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The order, delivered on Monday by Justice Emmanuel Sibilim, also restrained three other respondents — Mr. Benson Upah, General NA Toro, and Stephen Knabay — from participating in the planned action.
The ruling followed an ex parte application jointly filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The motion, marked NICN/ABJ/30/26, was moved by a legal team led by Mr. James Onoja, SAN.
In its decision, the court barred the 1st to 5th respondents, their agents, or privies from embarking on any strike action pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice. The court also directed security agencies listed as the 5th to 9th defendants to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in the FCT.
The claimants told the court that the FCT Council Chairman had issued mobilisation messages to union members and affiliates for a mass protest scheduled for February 3, 2026, describing the move as a violation of an existing court order.
According to the FCT Minister, the court had earlier, on January 27, 2026, issued an interlocutory injunction restraining industrial action by workers under the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC). He alleged that despite being served with the order, the NLC and TUC issued directives encouraging workers to intensify the strike, citing an appeal against the injunction.
Wike argued that the directive was aimed at causing chaos and disrupting law and order in the nation’s capital.
In an affidavit supporting the application, the claimants stated that on January 19, 2026, workers under JUAC shut down offices, schools, and agencies of the FCTA, bringing government activities to a standstill. They further alleged that subsequent directives from labour leaders encouraged workers to disregard court orders and resume industrial action.
The court has adjourned the substantive suit to February 10, 2026, for hearing.
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