FCTA workers defy JUAC strike, resume duties following court ruling

Workers in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have resumed work, ignoring a strike directive issued by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).

JUAC, in a statement signed by Secretary Comrade Abdullahi Umar Saleh on Wednesday, had urged staff to stay at home and continue daily prayers for the success of their ongoing industrial action.

Despite this, employees of FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) were observed carrying out their duties on Thursday. Some workers, speaking anonymously, said they returned to work in compliance with a court order and to ensure their salaries at the end of January.

“The court has said we should come to work, so we have no option. This is the last week of the month, and we expect our salaries,” one worker said.

The JUAC strike directive followed a day after the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja, on January 27, granted an interlocutory injunction filed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the FCT Administration. The court barred union members from continuing their strike while the matter is under adjudication.

Delivering the ruling, Justice E.D. Subilim noted that although the dispute qualifies as a trade issue, the right to strike is not absolute. Workers must suspend any ongoing industrial action pending the determination of the case.

In compliance, the Acting Head of the FCT Civil Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a circular directing all Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies (SDAs) to reopen offices, enforce staff attendance, and ensure immediate resumption of duties, while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to employee welfare.