Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court has ordered workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, to suspend their ongoing industrial action pending the determination of a suit before the court.

 

The Judge gave the order following an application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, seeking to compel the striking workers to return to work.

 

In the suit, the FCT Minister joined the President and Secretary of the Joint Union Action Congress, JUAC, as respondents.

 

Delivering the ruling, Justice Subilim held that once a labour dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court, all forms of industrial action, including strikes, must be suspended in line with the law.

 

The court cited Section 18(1)(e) of the Trade Disputes Act, noting that the provision is intended to ensure proper resolution of labour disputes and mandates the suspension of strikes upon the commencement of a suit by originating summons, which constitutes a formal referral to the court.

 

The Judge warned that failure to comply with the provisions of the Act could attract sanctions, adding that the public interest in maintaining industrial harmony outweighs any inconvenience that may arise from halting the strike.

 

The matter has been adjourned to March 25, 2026, for hearing.