Tension Rises In Abuja As NLC Defies Court Over Workers’ Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the National Industrial Court’s ruling that suspended the ongoing strike by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers, insisting that the decision will not weaken the determination of aggrieved employees.

In a statement on Wednesday, NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah expressed disappointment that the court adjourned the substantive hearing to March 25, 2026, without addressing the core issues raised by the workers.

Upah criticized the court for overlooking what the NLC described as “persistent violations of labour laws” by the FCTA, including the non-remittance of statutory deductions.

The union highlighted that the FCTA allegedly failed to remit National Housing Fund (NHF) and pension contributions, actions considered clear violations under existing laws. The NLC noted that failure to remit NHF contributions can attract fines ranging from N50,000 to N100 million, and potentially even imprisonment for responsible officers.

Similarly, the Pension Reform Act 2014 (as amended) mandates that employers remit pension deductions within seven working days, with penalties of up to 24% per annum for defaults.

The NLC further accused the Minister of the FCT of worsening tensions following the court ruling by threatening striking workers with dismissal.

The statement read:

“There are additional violations by the Minister, FCT, and FCTA that we chose not to list here. Yet, it is troubling that the court did not take even minimal steps to protect workers’ rights through injunctive relief. The combination of a long adjournment and denial of relief is damaging to the workers’ cause and suggests the court’s bias.

“Before the ink on the court order could dry, the Minister issued threats of sack to workers. Under such a toxic situation, meaningful dialogue is almost impossible. If the court’s aim was to break the strike and weaken the resolve of workers, it has failed. Our resolve remains unshaken, and workers are urged to stay steadfast.”

The NLC warned that institutions, organizations, or individuals violating the Pension Fund Act and NHF Act will face serious consequences. Workers and union members were urged to remain vigilant and ensure enforcement of their rights.