The National Industrial Court in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and others from embarking on industrial action or protests in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Justice Emmanuel Subilim granted the interim order following an application by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration.
The application, dated February 2, was brought pursuant to a suit marked NICN/ABJ/30/26 and filed by James Onoja (SAN) on behalf of the FCT Minister and the FCTA.
After hearing the claimants, Justice Subilim granted an interim order restraining the 1st to 5th respondents, their agents or privies, from embarking on any strike or protest 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 in the nation’s capital.
According to the claimants, the Chairman of the FCT Council had circulated a mobilisation message to members and affiliated unions for a mass protest scheduled for February 3, an action they said violated existing court orders.
They told the court that following an interlocutory ruling delivered on January 27, 2026, the order was served on the defendants on the same day the NLC and TUC allegedly directed their affiliated unions to intensify and sustain the strike.
The claimants said the directive, jointly signed by both unions, instructed striking workers to resume the strike on the grounds that their counsel, Femi Falana, SAN, had filed an appeal against the interlocutory ruling.
They added that the Joint Unions Action Committee subsequently issued a circular directing all employees to continue the strike, a move they said was aimed at causing a breakdown of law and order in Abuja.
The court adjourned the matter until February 10 for the hearing of the motion on notice.
