By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused some politicians and dissatisfied directors within the FCT Administration (FCTA) of instigating the industrial action that paralysed government activities in Abuja for seven days.
Wike made the allegation on Tuesday while briefing journalists after the National Industrial Court ordered workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to suspend their strike.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim, who delivered the ruling, granted an interlocutory injunction filed by the FCT minister, directing striking workers to return to duty pending the determination of the substantive suit.
According to Wike, the protest was not entirely driven by labour grievances but had been hijacked by political interests uncomfortable with reforms being implemented in the FCTA.
He claimed that some senior officials encouraged the action because “it was no longer business as usual,” stressing that past practices of reckless contract handling had been halted under his leadership.
“That era is gone, and some people are unhappy with the changes,” the minister said. “No amount of intimidation, blackmail or insults will deter this administration.”
Wike explained that the FCT administration initially pursued dialogue and engagement but opted for legal action when it became evident that political actors were influencing the strike.
“We allowed the court to examine the matter objectively and determine whether the demands were legitimate,” he stated, warning that any worker who defies the court order or obstructs access to government facilities would face legal consequences.
The minister maintained that the administration had met most of the workers’ demands, describing some others as unreasonable and outside the scope of legitimate entitlements.
He also disclosed that he had approved over ₦12 billion for January salaries, noting that even a ₦10 billion monthly allocation would be insufficient to both pay wages and effectively run the FCT.
“This is not my first experience handling labour matters,” Wike added. “I have served as a local government chairman and as governor for eight years. I understand workers’ concerns.”
Following the court ruling, the Acting Head of the FCT Civil Service, Nancy Nathan, issued a circular directing all staff to resume work immediately. She instructed permanent secretaries and heads of departments and agencies to ensure attendance registers were properly maintained.
Justice Subilim ruled that once a labour dispute is referred to the National Industrial Court, all forms of industrial action must be suspended.
He held that the filing of the originating summons by the FCT minister amounted to such a referral under the Trade Disputes Act.
The judge added that failure to comply with the relevant provisions of the law could attract sanctions, stressing that public interest and the need for industrial harmony outweighed the inconvenience caused by halting the strike.
The matter was adjourned to March 23 for substantive hearing.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concern over the court’s decision.
In a statement issued by its Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the NLC said the ruling failed to address what it described as persistent violations against FCT workers by the minister and the FCTA.
The labour body argued that the long adjournment and refusal to grant injunctive relief in favour of the workers could undermine their cause.
While acknowledging that court decisions may not always satisfy all parties, the NLC insisted that justice must be balanced and responsive to the grievances of workers.
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