The National Industrial Court in Abuja is expected to rule Tuesday on a suit filed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and the FCT Administration against leaders of the Joint Union Action Committee.
Justice E.D. Subilim had adjourned the case on Monday after hearing arguments from lawyers to both sides.
In the suit No. NICN/ABJ/17/2026, the plaintiffs are seeking an interlocutory injunction to restrain the JUAC chairman, Rifkatu Iortyer, the secretary, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, and their agents from embarking on industrial action, picketing or a lockout.
The workers had commenced the strike on Monday, January 19, over what they described as the failure of authorities to address long-standing labour and welfare demands.
While the FCTA management said most of the workers’ demands had been addressed, the JUAC rejected the claim, insisting that key issues remain unresolved.
The strike has since disrupted activities across major FCTA offices in Abuja, including the FCTA Secretariat, where security operatives were deployed to restrict access.
At Monday’s hearing, the union’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara, urged the court to dismiss the motion, arguing that granting the reliefs sought would amount to deciding the substantive suit at an interlocutory stage.
He cited a Supreme Court ruling in Opara Agwu & Anor v. Julius Berger Plc and warned that ordering workers to resume duties while salaries remain unpaid could be risky. Opara also asked the court to consider arbitration and compel the FCT minister to participate.
Justice Subilim subsequently adjourned the matter until January 27 for ruling.