Court bars NLC, TUC from planned FCT protest

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has stopped the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and several labour leaders from proceeding with a planned protest or any form of industrial action in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Justice Emmanuel Subilim issued the interim order on Monday after hearing an ex parte application filed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Those affected by the order include the NLC, the TUC, the NLC spokesperson Benson Upah, TUC General Secretary Nuhu Toro, and the Chairman of the FCT NLC, Stephen Knabayi.

The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/30/26 and dated February 2, was filed on behalf of the minister and the FCTA by senior advocate James Onoja. Ruling on the application, the court restrained the five respondents, their agents and associates from embarking on any strike or protest pending the determination of a motion on notice.

The judge also directed security agencies listed as defendants in the suit to maintain law and order in the nation’s capital.

According to the claimants, the FCT NLC chairman had circulated a mobilisation message to union members and affiliates, calling for a mass protest scheduled for February 3, despite an earlier court order.

They told the court that after an interlocutory injunction was granted on January 27, 2026, the order was served on the unions the same day. However, the NLC and TUC allegedly instructed their affiliates to sustain and intensify the strike, citing an appeal filed by their counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), against the ruling.

The claimants further alleged that the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) issued additional circulars directing workers to continue the industrial action, moves they said could disrupt peace and governance in Abuja.

In an affidavit, the FCTA stated that workers under JUAC had earlier locked entrances to government offices and the FCTA secretariat on January 19, shutting down schools, departments and agencies and bringing official activities to a halt.

Following this, the administration approached the court in a separate suit, in which an injunction was granted restraining JUAC and its affiliate unions from continuing the strike and ordering them to resume work pending the outcome of the case.

Despite being served the order, the claimants alleged that union leaders issued fresh directives encouraging workers to disregard the court ruling and resume the strike. They said another circular later mobilised members for a mass protest in Abuja.

The FCTA argued that the planned protest could obstruct movement, threaten public safety and infringe on the rights of residents, private sector workers, expatriates and visitors.

The court adjourned the case until February 10 for hearing of the motion on notice.