By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
The National Industrial Court NICN, Abuja has issued an Order of Interlocutory Injunction, prohibiting the continuity of strike action embarks upon by the staff of Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA, since Monday.
The Order bars FCTA workers’ union, their agents, and members from embarking on strikes, picketing, lockouts, road blockades, or any action aimed at shutting down the administration’s activities.
Workers under the aegis of FCTA Joint Union Action Committee JUAC, had embarked on the indefinite strike over the non- payment of promotion areas and other entitlements.
In a ruling on Thursday, January 21, 2026, Honourable Justice E. D. Subilim granted an application filed by the minister of the FCT and the FCTA, restraining the union officials from proceeding with the industrial action.
The defendants, Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Umar Saleh, identified as President and Secretary of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) were not present in court.
The FCTA’s legal team, led by Dr Ogwu J. Onoja, SAN, argued that the proposed strike was illegal and would paralyse the administration’s operations.
Justice Subilim held that the applicants had established a case warranting judicial intervention.
The court consequently issued the injunction, restraining the union and its members from any action that would cripple FCTA activities. Due to the defendants’ absence, the court also approved substituted service of the legal documents.
It ordered that the Originating Summons, which challenges the strike’s legality, be published in a national newspaper and posted at the committee’s office at the FCTA Secretariat on Kapital Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
The summons raises fundamental legal questions, challenging whether the strike was called in compliance with the Trade Disputes Act and contesting the legal status of the Joint Unions Action Committee, which is not a registered trade union.
The case has been adjourned to Monday, January 26, 2026, for a hearing of the Motion on Notice.
One of the union leaders, who preferred anonymity, said, “Since the administration wants us to continue our agitation in court, we will go to court to defend our actions.”
