The National Industrial Court (NIC) in Abuja has restrained workers under the umbrella of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from embarking on a planned mass protest and strike against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The court order, issued on Monday, followed an ex-parte motion filed by Mr Wike and the FCTA, seeking to halt the planned industrial action scheduled for Tuesday, 3 February, or any other date.
Justice Emmanuel Sibilim granted the interim injunction after hearing submissions from the claimants.
Motion Filed by Wike, FCTA
The application was filed on 2 February in a suit marked NICN/ABJ/30/26, through counsel James Onoja (SAN), acting on behalf of the FCT minister and the FCTA.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the NLC and TUC were listed as respondents in the matter, alongside individuals identified as Benson Upah, General N.A Toro, and Stephen Knabayi.
Court Issues Interim Order
In his ruling, Justice Sibilim restrained the first five respondents, including the labour unions, as well as their agents and affiliates, from proceeding with any strike action pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The judge also directed the 5th to 9th defendants, who are security agencies, to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to 10 February for the hearing of the motion on notice.
Background to the Dispute
According to the claimants, the case arose after the chairperson of the FCT council of the workers’ union allegedly sent out a mobilisation message to members and affiliated unions, calling for a mass protest scheduled for 3 February.
The court’s intervention now temporarily halts the planned protest and any related strike action, pending further proceedings.
