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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Despite threats of mass protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT chapter and its affiliates, most Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers ignored the directive and resumed duties on Monday, signalling a return to normalcy after weeks of industrial unrest.
NLC FCT Chairman, Comrade Stephen Knabayi, had earlier issued a statement mandating all union members to wear their union attire for protests scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, against the FCTA. However, an on-the-spot visit to key offices in the FCT central administration — including the Minister’s Block, Treasury Department, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) — revealed workers actively carrying out their tasks.
One worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained the decision: “We chose to obey the court ruling while talks between the administration and unions continue. No one wants to risk contempt or lose pay unnecessarily.”
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The development follows a prolonged strike by FCTA workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), which began on January 9 over unpaid allowances and other demands. The FCTA dragged the unions to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, contesting the legality of the strike.
Last Tuesday, Justice Emmanuel Subilim granted an ex parte order directing workers to suspend the action pending full hearing. The ruling stemmed from an application by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the administration.
In response, Acting Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, issued a circular on January 27, 2026, directing permanent secretaries and department heads to enforce compliance through staff attendance registers. “This reaffirms our commitment to staff welfare while restoring administrative order,” the circular emphasised.
