The National Industrial Court has formally issued a warning to senior officials within the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and leaders of labour unions. The court cautioned that they could face imprisonment for contempt of court if they continue to disregard a subsisting order that restrains industrial action within the FCT.
This warning was conveyed through a Form 48 notice, dated January 29 and signed by the court's senior registrar, Olajide Balogun.
The notice stated: “Take notice that unless you obey the directions contained in the Order of Hon. Justice E.D Subilim of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria dated 27th day of January 2026 (copy attached) you will be guilty of contempt of Court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”
JUAC Strike and Grievances
The contempt warning arises from a broader industrial dispute where FCTA workers initiated an indefinite strike on January 19.
This strike involved employees responsible for essential government services in Abuja, operating under the umbrella of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
In response to the strike, the National Industrial Court issued an order on January 27 to suspend the industrial action. This followed a lawsuit filed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the FCTA, seeking to halt the strike.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim granted an interlocutory injunction mandating the suspension of the industrial action while the substantive case is being heard.
The court asserted that once a dispute has been officially brought before it, the right to strike is not absolute and must be paused until the dispute is fully resolved.
The contempt warning specifically names Abdullahi Saleh, the JUAC secretary, and Benson Upah, the acting general secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), as recipients.
Restrained Strike, Picketing, and Road Blockades
In its ruling, the court prohibited the defendants, along with all other members of the Joint Unions Action Committee comprising trade unions with employees of the FCTA, from engaging in strike actions or related activities.
The injunction specifically forbids "industrial action, strike, picketing, lock-out, or any other form of disruption." This includes actions such as blocking roads, impeding vehicle movement, or ceasing FCTA operations.
The judge noted that the order was intended to prevent actions designed "to cripple operations or frustrate the businesses and activities of the FCTA," pending the resolution of the substantive lawsuit.
Justice Subilim decreed that the injunction "shall remain in full force and effect pending the hearing and final determination of the originating summons filed in this suit."
The case has been scheduled for March 25, 2026, for the hearing of a motion on notice.
Alleged Disobedience by Union Labour Leaders
Lawyers representing Mr. Wike submitted a letter to the court alleging that the defendants had disregarded the injunction.
The lawyers stated, "Despite the restraining order, the 2nd Defendant, Abdullahi Umar Saleh, and Comrade Benson Upah have issued directives for workers to continue their strike action in flagrant disobedience and total disregard of the order of this Honourable Court."
They argued that such defiance undermines the authority of the judiciary, emphasizing that "orders of Court are not made for fun."
Application for Form 48
The legal team for the FCT Minister has applied for the court to issue Form 48, a legal document that outlines the consequences of violating a court order, to be served on the striking workers.
The form would require the two named defendants to appear before the court.
Mr. Subilim reiterated that the injunction "shall remain in full force and effect pending the hearing and final determination of the originating summons filed in this suit."
Labour Unions Reject Court Order
On Tuesday, labour unions criticized the court's decision and declared their intention to continue the strike.
The NLC condemned the ruling, describing the suspension order as unacceptable and maintaining that the workers' grievances have not been addressed.
Leaders from both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) expressed solidarity with the striking workers, accusing the administration of neglect and supporting the industrial action.
They also instructed their affiliate unions in Abuja to intensify and sustain the strike until all worker demands are fully met.
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