The National Industrial Court (NICN) in Abuja has issued an Order of Interlocutory Injunction, prohibiting the leaders of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (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.
This ruling comes after workers under the aegis of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) embarked on an indefinite strike over the non-payment of promotion arrears and other entitlements on Monday.
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.
The ruling is a pre-emptive move by the FCTA to avert operational disruption and compels the union to justify its actions within the legal framework.
When contacted, 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.”