The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has filed a lawsuit against striking workers of the FCTA as the dispute over unpaid demands continues in Abuja. The strike, involving employees of the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority, began after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum and has halted operations at major government offices. Security personnel were deployed to prevent access to the FCTA Secretariat.
Wike, together with the FCTA, approached the Abuja Division of the National Industrial Court seeking an order to stop the unions from picketing, blocking offices, or engaging in actions that disrupt government activities. The defendants named in the suit are the President and Secretary-General of the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), acting on behalf of the striking workers.
At the hearing, the minister’s legal team presented written submissions and affidavits, while the unions were absent. The court allowed the case documents to be served through publication in a national newspaper and by posting at the JUAC office in Abuja. The court scheduled the next hearing for January 26, 2026.
Despite the legal action, JUAC stated it will continue the strike and urged workers to remain home until their demands are met. The union insisted it would not be intimidated by the court action or suspend the strike, appealing for unity among workers to maintain the industrial action.
The ongoing strike has affected normal operations in government offices, and both parties are awaiting the court’s ruling while negotiations remain unresolved.