The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned that any worker of the Federal Capital Territory Administration who fails to resume duties from Wednesday, January 28, will face disciplinary measures.
He issued the warning on Tuesday while addressing journalists in his Abuja office, shortly after the National Industrial Court in the capital directed the striking workers to suspend their industrial action.
Wike made it clear that the FCTA would not tolerate continued disruption of official activities, stressing that the rule of law must be upheld following the court’s decision.
“From tomorrow if you don’t come to work we are going to apply the big stick and from tomorrow if we see anybody who says he wants to block the gate, we will make you a scape goat. The law must take its place,” he warned.
The minister disclosed that his administration had already met with the labour unions involved and that their grievances had been formally presented and discussed.
According to him, both security agencies and FCT management had made several attempts to engage the unions through dialogue, but the efforts did not yield results, suggesting that the dispute may go beyond the demands initially raised.
“I mean if the workers made 14 demands and the government has addressed 10 out of it what then is the issue?” Wike said.
FCTA workers had embarked on an indefinite strike last week, citing “authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare demands”. The action resulted in the closure of major government offices across Abuja, disrupting public services within the nation’s capital.
In response, Wike initiated legal action against the Joint Unions Action Committee over the strike. On Tuesday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja ordered the workers to suspend the industrial action with immediate effect.
While delivering the ruling, the presiding judge, Emmanuel Subilim, ruled that although the case constituted a trade dispute, the right of the defendants to embark on industrial action was not absolute.
He explained that once a dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court, any ongoing strike must stop pending the court’s final determination.
What you should know
The FCTA strike reflects ongoing tensions between government authorities and public sector workers over labour and welfare issues.
While workers have the right to protest, Nigerian labour law places limits on industrial action once disputes are before the courts. The National Industrial Court plays a central role in resolving such conflicts, and its rulings are binding on all parties.
The FCT minister’s response underscores the federal government’s emphasis on enforcing court orders and restoring normal operations in Abuja, especially given the capital’s importance to national administration and governance.
