The National Industrial Court in Abuja has restrained the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from proceeding with a planned mass protest against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration.
Justice Emmanuel Sibilim issued the interim order on Monday following an ex parte application filed by the FCT Minister and the FCTA. The order prevents the unions and their officials from embarking on any strike or protest action pending the hearing of a substantive motion.
The suit, filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria James Onoja on behalf of the minister and the FCTA, named the NLC, TUC, and their officials—including Benson Upah, N.A. Toro, and Stephen Knabayi—as respondents.
In his ruling, Justice Sibilim directed security agencies involved in the suit to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order in the nation’s capital. The court adjourned the matter to February 10 for further hearing.
Onoja informed the court that despite a previous ruling on January 27, the unions had continued to issue statements instructing affiliates to intensify the industrial action. “The directive by the unions violates subsisting court orders and is capable of triggering a breakdown of law and order in Abuja,” he said.
The industrial action, which began on January 19, allegedly involved the locking of FCTA offices and secretariat, forcing the closure of schools, departments, and agencies, and halting government activities in the territory.
As of press time, the NLC and TUC had not officially responded to the court’s ruling.
