The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has taken a fresh legal step against striking workers in Abuja by asking the National Industrial Court to commit them to prison for allegedly disobeying a court order.
The action followed the refusal of the workers to suspend their ongoing strike, despite an earlier directive from the court ordering them to return to work. The strike has affected several government offices and public services in the nation’s capital.
Through his lawyer, Chief Ogwu Onoja, SAN, the minister obtained Form 48, a legal notice that warns parties of the consequences of disobeying a court order. The form is usually the first step taken before contempt proceedings are commenced.
Part of the notice reads: “Take note that unless you obey the directions contained in the order of Justice E.D. Subilim of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria delivered on the 27th day of January 2026, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”
The notice, dated January 29, was signed by the Registrar of the National Industrial Court, Mr Olajide Balogun, and is expected to be served on the striking workers.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim had earlier ordered the workers to call off the strike immediately, pending the final determination of the case before the court. The judge said the order was necessary to prevent the shutdown of government activities in the FCT while the matter was still being heard.
According to the judge, although workers have the right to strike in order to press their demands, that right is not unlimited. He explained that there are legal steps that must be followed before any industrial action can be lawfully carried out.
Justice Subilim relied on Section 18(1)(b) of the Trade Disputes Act, which clearly states that workers cannot go on strike over a dispute that has already been referred to the National Industrial Court for resolution. Once a matter is before the court, all parties are expected to maintain peace and allow the legal process to run its course.
In the suit filed before the court, the FCT minister argued that the ongoing strike did not comply with the provisions of the Trade Disputes Act. He also questioned the legal standing of the Joint Unions Action Committee, which is coordinating the strike.
According to Wike, the Joint Unions Action Committee is not a registered trade union and therefore lacks the legal authority to declare or lead a strike action. He urged the court to restrain the group and compel the workers to return to their duty posts.
The strike, which has entered several days, has disrupted normal activities in Abuja. Some government secretariats, area councils, and public institutions have recorded low attendance, while residents have complained about delays in services.
The FCT is the seat of power in Nigeria and hosts major federal ministries, departments, and agencies. Any prolonged shutdown of its workforce is seen as a serious concern, as it affects not only residents but also national government operations.
Mr Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has since his appointment as FCT minister adopted a firm approach to governance in the capital. He has repeatedly warned that his administration would not tolerate actions capable of paralysing the city or undermining government authority.
Labour disputes are not new in Nigeria, especially over issues such as wages, allowances, and working conditions. However, the law requires unions and employers to explore negotiation, mediation, and arbitration before resorting to strikes.
The National Industrial Court was established to handle labour and employment matters and to reduce disruptions caused by industrial actions. Once a dispute is before the court, both parties are expected to respect its orders.
The case has been adjourned to March 25, 2026, for hearing. Until then, the tension between the FCT administration and the striking workers remains unresolved, with residents hoping for a quick solution that will restore normalcy to Abuja.