Manny Ita
The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress and the Joint Union Action Committee from proceeding with a planned protest in the Federal Capital Territory, pending the determination of a motion on notice before the court.
The order was granted by Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Sibilim following an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration. The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/30/26, was argued on behalf of the claimants by Dr. Ogwu James Onoja (SAN).
In the ruling, the court barred the unions, their officers, agents and affiliates from organising, directing or participating in any strike, protest or industrial action within Abuja until the substantive issues before the court are heard and determined. The judge also directed security agencies to take necessary steps to maintain public order in the capital.
Justice Sibilim specifically ordered the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure that there is “no breakdown of law and order” as a result of the planned protest.
Named in the order alongside the unions were the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah; the TUC General Secretary, N.A. Toro; and the Chairman of the NLC FCT Council, Stephen Knabayi.
In affidavits before the court, the FCTA and the minister argued that the restraining order was necessary to prevent a mass protest scheduled for February 3, which they said violated an earlier injunction granted on January 27 restraining the unions from embarking on further industrial action. The claimants told the court that workers under the Joint Union Action Committee had previously shut down FCTA offices, schools and agencies on January 19, disrupting government activities across the territory.
The court was also informed that despite being served with the earlier order, union leaders allegedly issued directives to continue the strike, citing an appeal filed by their counsel, and later mobilised members for the planned protest. The FCTA argued that such actions posed a threat to security, public movement and the rights of residents and visitors in Abuja.
The case was adjourned to February 10, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
Following the court order, labour unions were reported to have held talks with the FCT minister and subsequently directed their members to resume work, while the planned protest was shelved pending further engagement and dialogue.
