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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticised the National Industrial Court’s decision ordering the suspension of the ongoing strike by workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), describing the ruling as unfair and harmful to workers’ welfare.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the labour union said it was disappointed with the judgment delivered in a suit filed by the FCT Minister against the striking workers. 

The court directed that the strike be suspended and adjourned the case to March 25, 2026.

While acknowledging that judicial decisions may not always satisfy all parties, the NLC argued that the court failed to address what it described as persistent breaches of labour and social security laws by the FCT authorities.

According to the congress, the ruling did not include any pronouncements or interim orders on alleged statutory violations affecting workers.

A major concern raised by the union is the alleged failure of the FCTA to remit statutory deductions, including contributions to the National Housing Fund (NHF) and pension schemes. 

The NLC noted that existing laws clearly stipulate penalties for employers who fail to remit such deductions within the required timelines, including fines and possible jail terms for responsible officials.

The labour centre expressed concern that the absence of interim reliefs, coupled with the long adjournment period, left workers vulnerable and weakened their bargaining position.

“We are deeply dismayed by the ruling of the National Industrial Court delivered on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in the case between the Minister of the FCT/FCTA and workers of the FCT,” the statement said.

“It is troubling that the court neither addressed nor took any action regarding the ongoing violations against FCT workers by the minister and the administration.”

The NLC further stated that it found it unacceptable that the court did not grant even minimal injunctive reliefs in favour of workers.

“If the intention is to break the strike or weaken the resolve of aggrieved workers, then that intention has failed. Workers remain resolute and undeterred,” the statement added.

The congress also accused the FCT minister of worsening the situation by allegedly threatening workers with dismissal shortly after the court ruling, a move it said undermines prospects for meaningful dialogue.

Reaffirming its support for the striking workers, the NLC said the industrial action is driven by long-standing grievances and warned that the court’s decision would not deter workers from pursuing justice.

The union extended its warning beyond the FCT, putting public institutions and officials on notice over alleged violations of pension and housing fund laws, and urged workers and labour bodies nationwide to remain vigilant.

According to the NLC, it is prepared to engage decisively to ensure full compliance with labour and social security regulations