The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is embroiled in an industrial dispute initiated by an indefinite strike from its workers, represented by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC). The strike, stemming from unaddressed labour and welfare demands, led to significant disruption and the shutdown of activities across major government offices in Abuja. In response to this industrial action, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja delivered a ruling on Tuesday, January 27, ordering the immediate suspension of the strike. Justice Emmanuel Subilim, presiding over the case, clarified that while the dispute constituted a legitimate trade dispute, the workers' right to embark on industrial action is not absolute, especially once the matter has been referred to the NICN for adjudication.

Following the court's directive, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, promptly issued a circular. This circular mandated all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments to immediately implement and strictly maintain staff attendance registers. Nathan explicitly directed all staff across FCTA secretariats, departments, and agencies to resume work without delay, underscoring the mandatory nature of compliance with the court order to ensure the uninterrupted continuity of government operations. She further emphasized that this directive aligns with the FCTA Management’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of its workforce and urged senior officials to effectively communicate the circular's contents to all staff members to guarantee full and immediate adherence.

Concurrently, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, issued a stern warning to FCTA workers, stating that any individual failing to resume duties would face disciplinary action. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, January 27, Wike asserted that there must be definitive consequences for disobeying a valid court order, with enforcement measures slated to commence from Wednesday, January 27. He threatened to apply a