Wike Vows Sanctions as Court Halts FCT Strike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday issued a firm warning to striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to immediately resume duties or face legal consequences, following a ruling by the National Industrial Court ordering an end to the industrial action that has paralysed public services in Abuja for more than a week.

Addressing journalists shortly after the court’s decision, Wike said the administration would not tolerate defiance of the rule of law, accusing political interests of exploiting the strike for reasons unrelated to workers’ welfare. He maintained that the FCTA had already begun mediation talks before, in his words, the action was “hijacked by politicians.”

According to the minister, several of the demands raised by the unions were either unreasonable, already addressed, or lacked substance. He said the decision to seek judicial intervention followed the realisation that the strike persisted despite ongoing engagement and concrete steps taken to address workers’ concerns.

Wike highlighted measures taken by the administration to improve staff welfare, including the recent approval of over ₦12 billion for the payment of January salaries to FCTA employees. He described the release of funds as proof of the government’s commitment to its workforce.

He also pointed to improved financial performance in the territory, noting that the FCT had generated more than ₦30 billion in internally generated revenue, a figure he said marked a significant improvement on previous years. The minister urged workers to acknowledge reforms introduced under his leadership, including the establishment of a Civil Service Commission and sustained investment in infrastructure across the capital.

Dismissing reports that he was forced out of his office during protests linked to the strike, Wike clarified that he had only stepped out briefly to see President Bola Tinubu off at the airport. He warned that any further attempts to disrupt government operations would attract severe consequences.

“Anyone who dares to lock the gates again will be made a scapegoat. The law must be obeyed,” he said.

The minister further alleged that some senior civil servants had played a role in sustaining the strike, accusing certain directors of instigating the action. He stressed, however, that such actions would not derail the administration’s resolve to enforce the court order.

Wike also noted that engagement between workers and the government did not require direct access to him personally, adding that workers’ representatives had remained in constant dialogue with management throughout the dispute.

He concluded by reiterating that workers who failed to comply with the court order and return to work immediately would face legal action, signalling a tougher enforcement phase as the FCTA moves to restore full public services.

The FCTA workers, under the Joint Union Action Committee, began an indefinite strike on January 19 over unresolved welfare issues. The National Industrial Court granted an interlocutory injunction halting the strike following an application by the FCT minister.

Justice E.D. Subilim, who issued the order on January 21, adjourned the substantive suit to March 23, 2026. In his ruling delivered on Tuesday, the judge held that the right to strike is not absolute and becomes restricted once a dispute is brought before the court. He ordered that the ongoing strike must cease pending the determination of the case.

Counsel to the FCTA, James Onoja (SAN), welcomed the ruling and appealed to the unions to return to work while mediation continues. Counsel to the workers, Maxwell Opara, said the unions would respect the court’s decision and engage in the mediation process as directed.

JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, confirmed that workers would comply with the order, call off the strike, and resume duties immediately, while continuing to pursue outstanding demands through lawful means.