The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the National Industrial Court’s order directing Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers to resume work, insisting the ruling cannot break the ongoing strike.
The NLC described the court order as biased and urged workers to remain resolute, despite the court’s decision coming amid unresolved demands.
The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja had earlier on Tuesday ordered the striking workers to resume work immediately, even as their grievances remained unaddressed.
Reacting to the ruling, the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, criticised the court for failing to consider alleged injustices suffered by the workers at the hands of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Upah highlighted non-remittance of National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions and pension deductions as major issues affecting the workers, accusing the FCTA of violating the NHF Act and Pension Reform Act 2014 (as amended).
He noted that the NHF Act stipulates that failure to remit deductions within one month attracts severe penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment for responsible officers.
On the Pension Reform Act, he said the law requires pension deductions to be remitted within seven working days after salary payment, adding that defaults attract penalties of 2% monthly and 24% per annum, payable into employees’ Retirement Savings Accounts.
Upah expressed disappointment that the court did not grant any injunctive relief to protect the workers, and described the adjournment of the case to March 25, 2026 as damaging to the workers’ cause.
He said, “If the intention of the court is to break the strike as well as weaken the resolve of the injured workers, then it is mistaken. Our hearts can never be broken and workers are urged to remain resolute in their convictions.”
He also accused the court of ignoring the offences committed against workers by the FCTA and warned that the NLC would engage all institutions and individuals violating the Pension Fund Act and National Housing Fund Act.
The labour leader further criticised the Minister of the FCT for threatening to sack workers barely two hours after the court issued its order.
He said the threat showed a lack of commitment to peaceful dialogue and warned that the NLC would not back down.
Upah urged workers and organs of the Congress to remain alert, adding that the NLC is ready for serious engagement with violators.
The strike, now in its sixth day, has paralysed activities in the FCT, with many offices and public services remaining shut.
