The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to immediately return to work or face legal action, following a ruling by the National Industrial Court ordering an end to the industrial action.

Briefing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday after the court’s decision, Wike insisted that the rule of law must prevail, accusing political actors of hijacking the strike for reasons unrelated to workers’ welfare.

“The administration was already in the process of mediation when some politicians hijacked the strike,” he said, describing several of the workers’ demands as “frivolous” and either unreasonable or already addressed.

Wike explained that the FCTA approached the court after it became clear that the strike had been politicised despite ongoing dialogue and efforts to resolve a substantial number of the workers’ concerns.

He highlighted steps taken by the administration to improve staff welfare, including prompt salary payments and reforms within the civil service.

According to the minister, over ₦12 billion had just been approved for the payment of January salaries to FCTA workers, stressing that the move demonstrated the government’s commitment to its workforce.

He also pointed to improved revenue performance under his leadership, noting that the FCT had generated more than ₦30 billion in internally generated revenue, an increase compared to previous years.

Urging workers to acknowledge reforms already implemented, including the establishment of the Civil Service Commission and ongoing infrastructure investments, Wike remarked that workers also bear responsibility for development challenges.

“Workers are largely responsible for the lack of development in states, including the FCT,” he said.

The minister dismissed reports suggesting he was forced out of his office during protests linked to the strike, clarifying that he only stepped out to see President Bola Tinubu off at the airport.

“I was never chased out of the office,” he stated.

Adopting a firm tone, Wike warned against further disruption of government activities.

“Anyone who dares to lock the gates again will be made a scapegoat, because the law must be obeyed,” he said.

He further alleged that some senior civil servants were encouraging the strike, claiming that certain directors played roles in sustaining the action, but stressed that this would not deter the administration from enforcing the law.

Wike also emphasised that workers were not entitled to direct access to him, noting that their representatives had been engaging with management throughout the dispute.

“Seeing me in person is not a right,” he said.

The minister concluded by warning that any worker who failed to comply with the court order would face legal consequences as the FCTA moves to restore full public services.

Court Orders Strike Suspension

Workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) had embarked on an indefinite strike on January 19 over unresolved welfare issues.

Following an application by the FCTA, the National Industrial Court issued an interlocutory injunction halting the strike. Justice E. D. Subilim granted the order on January 21 and adjourned the substantive suit to March 23, 2026.

Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, Justice Subilim held that the right to strike is not absolute.

“The defendant’s right to an industrial action is not absolute, but as circumscribed by law,” he ruled, ordering workers to suspend all forms of industrial action pending the determination of the case.

Counsel to the claimants, James Onoja (SAN), welcomed the ruling and urged the unions to return to work and allow mediation to proceed.

“We commend the court for making an order stopping the strike. This will allow room for discussion and industrial harmony,” he said.

Counsel for the respondents, Maxwell Opara, said the unions would respect the court order.

“The workers are law-abiding citizens, and we will advise them to comply with the ruling,” he stated.

JUAC President, Rifkatu Iortyer, confirmed that workers would obey the order and immediately resume work.

“We are law-abiding citizens. Since the court has ordered us to return to work, we are returning while continuing to push for our demands,” she said.