The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned that any FCTA worker who refuses to return to work after a court order lifting the strike will face disciplinary action. He said the government would no longer tolerate disobedience to lawful directives.
Wike issued the warning on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Abuja, shortly after a court ordered striking workers to suspend their industrial action. According to him, the FCT Administration would begin enforcing the order from Wednesday.
The minister stressed that defying a valid court ruling would attract consequences. He said workers who continue to stay away from work or attempt to block government offices would be singled out and punished to serve as a deterrent to others.
“There must be consequences for breaking the law,” Wike said. “I have given them time, but from tomorrow, if anyone refuses to resume work or tries to block gates, they will be made an example. The law must be enforced.”
He maintained that the FCT Administration had shown readiness to resolve the issues through dialogue, adding that meetings had already taken place between labour leaders and management. According to him, the government remains open to genuine discussions aimed at resolving workers’ grievances.
Wike, however, warned against what he described as intimidation and blackmail, insisting that the administration would not bow to pressure tactics. He said dialogue must be based on sincerity and respect for the law.
The strike, which began last week, was organised by FCTA workers over unresolved welfare and labour-related demands. The action disrupted activities across several government offices in Abuja, affecting public services.
In response, the FCT Administration approached the National Industrial Court, suing the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) over the strike. On Tuesday, the court ordered the workers to immediately suspend the industrial action.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Emmanuel Subilim held that while the dispute qualifies as a trade dispute, the right to strike is not absolute. He ruled that once a matter has been referred to the National Industrial Court, all industrial actions must stop until the case is fully determined.
