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FCT court restrains NLC, TUC from strike and protest over planned February 3 action
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Justice Sibilim grants interim order following suit filed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, FCTA
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Security agencies directed to maintain law and order in Abuja
A National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has barred the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three labour leaders from embarking on any form of protest or industrial action in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Sibilim issued the interim order on Monday after an ex-parte application filed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
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The individuals restrained alongside the labour unions are Comrades Benson Upah, General N.A. Toro, and Stephen Knabayi.
The application, dated February 2, 2026, was brought under Suit No: NICN/ABJ/30/26 by Dr Ogwu James Onoja (SAN), counsel to the FCT Minister and the FCTA.
After hearing the claimants, the court restrained the respondents, their agents and privies from embarking on any strike, protest or industrial action pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Justice Sibilim also ordered security agencies listed as defendants in the suit to ensure the maintenance of law and order across the FCT.
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The claimants told the court that the Chairman of the FCT Council of Labour Unions had circulated a mobilisation message calling for a mass protest scheduled for February 3, an action they said violated an earlier court order.
They explained that following a ruling delivered on January 27, 2026, the court had restrained the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), its affiliate unions and FCTA workers from further industrial action and directed them to resume work. The order was reportedly served on the defendants the same day.
Despite this, the NLC and TUC allegedly issued a joint statement directing affiliated unions to sustain the strike, citing an appeal filed by their counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), against the interlocutory ruling. JUAC was also said to have instructed workers to continue the strike.
According to the claimants, these actions were capable of causing a breakdown of law and order in the nation’s capital, disrupting vehicular movement and infringing on the rights of residents, businesses, expatriates and visitors.
The court has adjourned the matter to February 10, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.