Activities at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and its affiliated MDAs resumed on Wednesday following a directive from the National Industrial Court of Nigeria to suspend the ongoing strike.
The court, presided over by Justice E. D. Subilim, ordered that the industrial action by workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) be halted immediately to allow continued dialogue.
In response, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, urged workers to return to duty without delay, emphasising that, “The right to protest is important, but court directives are binding and must be obeyed.”
The Acting Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a circular directing all Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies (SDAs) to reopen offices and strictly maintain attendance registers to ensure full compliance with the court’s order.
The circular, dated 27 January 2026, instructed Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, Parastatals, and Agencies to enforce the immediate resumption of duties, while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to staff welfare.
A visit to the FCTA and its MDAs on Wednesday showed partial compliance. Many workers returned and carried out their duties, but some remained absent, citing conflicting directives from government authorities and organised labour.
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Speaking in a telephone interview, JUAC President Rifkatuu Iortyer declined to comment extensively on the matter, stating she would only address the issue after a scheduled meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
JUAC and NLC leaders are currently meeting to determine the next steps, a decision that will likely dictate whether normal operations resume fully or if the standoff continues.
Analysts have cautioned that continued defiance of court orders could result in legal sanctions, while overly forceful enforcement by the government could escalate tensions and encourage wider labour solidarity actions.