The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is currently grappling with an indefinite strike action initiated by its workers, orchestrated by the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) and supported by the national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). This industrial action has deepened the face-off between the FCT Administration (FCTA) workers and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as workers remain resolute despite a court order to suspend the strike and threats of sanctions from the Minister. The strike, which began on Monday, January 26, 2026, has brought governmental activities in the capital territory to a standstill, affecting numerous agencies and essential services.

The genesis of the strike lies in a litany of unresolved grievances presented by the workers, which they describe as a "breach of trust," "inaction," and "deliberate demoralization" by the FCTA. Key among their demands are the payment of five-month wage awards and promotion arrears, crucial to improving their welfare. Furthermore, the workers cite serious violations of national laws, specifically the non-remittance of National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions to appropriate authorities as stipulated by the NHF Act, and the non-remittance of pension deductions in line with the Pension Reform Act 2014 (as amended). These acts carry stiff penalties for employers, including fines and potential imprisonment, highlighting the severity of the alleged offenses. The unions also point to "continued intimidation of workers" as a major factor fueling their discontent.

In response to the escalating industrial action, Minister Nyesom Wike took the union leadership to the National Industrial Court (NIC) in Abuja. On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the court, presided over by Justice E. D. Subilim, ordered the striking workers to call off their strike and resume work immediately. The court granted "AN ORDER OF INTERLOCUTORY INJUNCTION" against two named union leaders, Rifkatu Iortyer (President of JUAC and Chairperson of the FCDA Chapel) and Abdullahi Umar Saleh (Secretary of JUAC), who were sued in their personal capacities. The order explicitly restrains the defendants, their agents, representatives, and members of JUAC from further industrial action, picketing, lock-outs, or any actions aimed at crippling operations, blocking roads, or disrupting FCTA activities. The matter was adjourned to March 25, 2026, with the injunction set to remain in force until the final determination of the Originating Summons. Justice Subilim acknowledged the right to strike but emphasized that its adoption is not absolute, holding that the action was taken to prevent the crippling of government business.

Following the court's ruling, Minister Wike issued stern warnings, directing workers to return to their posts or face legal consequences, including potential sack. He asserted that the rule of law must prevail and maintained that the FCTA had made substantial efforts to address concerns, including approving over N12 billion for January salaries and improving Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to over N30 billion. Wike, adopting a hardline tone, blamed workers for a lack of development and alleged that the strike had been "hijacked by politicians" for motives unrelated to welfare, dismissing some worker demands as "frivolous" or already resolved. The acting FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, subsequently directed permanent secretaries and heads of departments to maintain staff attendance registers and instructed all staff to resume duties.

However, the NLC and FCT trade unions swiftly rejected the court's order as a basis to suspend the strike. Benson Upah, the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, "lampooned" Minister Wike's threats and expressed dismay that the court's ruling did not consider the "injustice meted out on the workers by the Minister" or grant any "tokenistic injunctive relief" to the workers. The NLC argued that the long adjournment and denial of relief were "irredeemably damaging to the cause of the workers" and "suggestive of the interest of the court in this matter." The unions clarified that the interlocutory injunction was specifically issued against two individual union leaders and not against the trade unions as legal entities or the collective workforce. Consequently, they insisted that no legally binding restraining order currently exists against the unions, and therefore, "our strike continues."

The national leadership of the NLC reinforced this stance by directing all Abuja-based affiliate unions to "reinforce, intensify and sustain" the ongoing industrial action until all demands are fully met. The circular, signed by Benson Upah and President Joseph Ajaero, called for full participation, intensified mobilization, and continuous daily Prayer and Solidarity Sessions across the FCT. Emphasizing unity and unwavering commitment, the NLC warned that "any retreat at this stage will only embolden further violations against workers," echoing the slogan "An injury to one is an injury to all." Workers were urged not to be discouraged or misled by misinterpretations of the court process.

The impact of the ongoing strike has been significant, paralyzing activities across the FCT. The FCT Secretariat, the six area council secretariats, and numerous agencies such as the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), and the FCT Water Board have remained shut. Primary and secondary schools in the six FCT area councils have also joined the strike, with pupils seen roaming the streets and school gates padlocked, further disrupting daily life and essential services in the nation's capital.