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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the ruling of the National Industrial Court (NIC) suspending the ongoing strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), vowing that the decision will not break the resolve of aggrieved workers.
In a statement issued yesterday by its acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the NLC said it was dismayed by the court’s order halting the strike and adjourning the substantive matter to March 25, 2026, without addressing what it described as persistent violations of labour laws by the FCT Administration (FCTA).
The Congress urged FCT workers not to lose heart, insisting that justice must be done to all parties in any dispute.
While acknowledging that court decisions may not please everyone, the NLC faulted the court for failing to make pronouncements on alleged statutory breaches against workers, including the non-remittance of National Housing Fund (NHF) and pension deductions.
According to the Congress, failure to remit NHF deductions constitutes an offence under the law, attracting heavy fines ranging from N50,000 to N100 million, as well as possible jail terms for responsible officers.
The NLC also cited provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014 (as amended), which mandate employers to remit pension deductions within seven working days, with penalties of up to 24 per cent per annum for defaults.
The Congress further accused the minister of the FCT of escalating tensions by allegedly issuing threats of sack to workers immediately after the court ruling.
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“There are other violations by the Minister/FCT/FCTA which we elected not to mention here. It is in light of this that we find it distasteful that the court did not think it necessary to do justice to workers by way of even a tokenistic injunctive relief.
“The combined effects of a long adjournment and denial of an injunctive relief are irredeemably damaging to the cause of the workers and are suggestive of the interest of the court in this matter.
“The Minister of the FCT, taking the cue, did not wait for the signature ink on the court order paper to dry before issuing threats of sack to workers. We doubt that reasonable conversation can hold in such a toxic situation.
“If the intention of the court is to break the strike as well as weaken the resolve of the injured workers, then it is mistaken! Our hearts can never be broken and workers are urged to remain resolute in their convictions.
“We equally find it necessary to add that there is a certain risk we all run when some courts elect to write themselves into oblivion. We as a nation must not take that dangerous path.
“Through this statement, we put on notice all institutions or organisations or individuals violating the provisions of the Pension Fund Act and National Housing Fund Act for a serious engagement.
“Workers and organs of the Congress are similarly urged to be on high alert to see to the implementation of this engagement in case someone thinks we are bluffing,” the statement added.
