Most workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) reported for duty on Monday, defying a planned protest and rally called by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliates against the administration.

The NLC Chairman, FCT Chapter, Comrade Stephen Knabayi, had earlier directed unions and affiliates to mobilise members to appear in their union attire for a mass protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

However, checks across key FCTA offices within the Central Administration — including the Minister’s Block, Treasury Department, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), and other departments — showed normal work activities, with staff present at their duty posts.

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Some workers, who spoke anonymously, said they resumed work in compliance with a court order while negotiations between the administration and union leaders continue.

FCTA workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) had embarked on an industrial action on January 9 to press demands over unpaid allowances and other welfare issues.

In response, the FCTA approached the National Industrial Court, challenging the legality of the strike. Last Tuesday, the court ordered workers to suspend the action pending further hearing of the suit filed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the administration.

Justice Emmanuel Subilim granted the interim order directing an immediate halt to the strike.

Following the ruling, the Acting Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, issued a circular mandating permanent secretaries and heads of departments, parastatals and agencies to ensure strict compliance by maintaining staff attendance registers.

The directive, dated January 27, 2026, instructed all employees to resume work immediately, while reiterating the administration’s commitment to addressing staff welfare concerns.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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