Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s National Industrial Court orders workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to immediately suspend their strike, ruling that the right to industrial action is not absolute under the law.
Delivering judgment in Abuja on Tuesday, Justice Emmanuel Subilim holds that once a labour dispute is formally before the court, all related industrial actions must cease until the matter is resolved.
“The dispute qualifies as a trade dispute,” the judge rules, “but the right to embark on a strike is not absolute and must yield to due judicial process.”
The court stresses that allowing industrial action to continue while a case is pending would undermine legal authority and disrupt essential public services in the nation’s capital. Justice Subilim orders FCTA workers to return to duty with immediate effect, pending the court’s final determination.
The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s balancing role between protecting workers’ rights and safeguarding public administration, particularly in Abuja, where service disruptions carry national consequences.
Labour analysts say the decision sets a significant precedent, signalling stricter judicial scrutiny of strikes involving government institutions. The judgment may also shape future labour disputes by compelling unions to exhaust legal remedies before withdrawing services.
The strike, which had paralysed key FCTA offices, was triggered by unresolved demands over welfare and administrative concerns. Court proceedings on the substantive dispute continue.
About the Author
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwatobi Adu 