The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has barred three labour unions at Kaduna State University (KASU) from carrying out any industrial action or strike pending the final resolution of a lawsuit brought before it. Justice E. D. Subilim of the court's Abuja Judicial Division handed down the restriction order on November 5, 2026.
Under the directive, the court prohibited the unions, alongside their executives, representatives, and affiliates, from initiating, declaring, orchestrating, supporting, or engaging in any form of work stoppage. The directive specifically targets the KASU chapters of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).
What did the court specifically direct the unions to do?
Aside from blocking the commencement of any industrial disruption, the tribunal instructed the labour groups to halt the implementation of any ongoing strike directives until the substantive Motion on Notice is heard and resolved. Legal proceedings in the matter, registered under the suit number NICN/ABJ/329/2026, were initiated by the university management, its Governing Council, and the Vice-Chancellor.
The defendants named in the legal action include key union officials such as NASU branch chairman Comrade Nina Ochigbo, secretary Comrade Dahiru Musa, SSANU chairman Comrade Sadiya Mustapha, and secretary Comrade Nicholas Allen.
How will the defendants be notified of the proceedings?
Justice Subilim instructed the plaintiffs to ensure that all originating summons, the Motion on Notice, accompanying affidavits, and copies of the court's official order are promptly served to the defendants. The court subsequently adjourned further proceedings on the Motion on Notice to November 18, 2026. The formal ruling was sealed in Abuja on November 6, 2026, and endorsed by Senior Registrar II, Vallari Aaron Masomene.