The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed disappointment over the National Industrial Court’s decision to suspend the strike by workers in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Delivered on Tuesday, January 27, the ruling followed a suit filed by the Minister of the FCT against striking workers and their unions. The case has now been adjourned to March 25, 2026.
In a statement, NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah said that while the workers respect the authority of the court, they are concerned that the ruling failed to address what they described as “persistent violations of labour laws” by the FCT Administration.
“The court did not grant any injunctive relief to protect workers despite alleged breaches of statutory obligations by their employer,” the statement read.
The union specifically accused the FCTA of failing to remit National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions and pension contributions in accordance with the law. Under the NHF Act, employers who default on remittances face fines or possible imprisonment.
The Pension Reform Act 2014 similarly mandates that contributions be remitted within seven working days of salary payment, with penalties accruing for defaults.
Describing the long adjournment and strike suspension as “damaging to workers’ interests,” Upah said the FCT Minister had begun issuing threats of dismissal even before the court order was formalized, creating a “hostile atmosphere” that undermined constructive dialogue.
The statement urged FCT workers to remain resolute, asserting that their determination “cannot be broken.”
It also warned that institutions and individuals allegedly violating the Pension Reform Act and NHF Act should expect “serious engagement,” noting that labour organisations nationwide are on high alert to enforce compliance with existing labour laws.
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