The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and three union leaders from carrying out a planned protest or any form of industrial action in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The injunction was granted on Monday by Justice Emmanuel Sibilim following an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration (FCTA).
In its ruling, the court prohibited the NLC, TUC, Benson Upah, General N.A. Toro and Stephen Knabayi, who were named as respondents, from embarking on a strike or protest in the capital city while the substantive case is pending.
The order also directed security agencies listed as defendants to take necessary steps to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the FCT.
The matter has been adjourned to February 10 for further hearing on the motion on notice.
According to court filings, the Chairman of the FCT Council had circulated a message mobilising members of affiliate unions for a mass protest scheduled for February 3, an action the claimants said violated an earlier court injunction issued on January 27.
The FCTA told the court that workers under the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) had earlier staged an industrial action that included locking entrances to FCTA offices and closing schools and government departments, which they say brought the administration’s operations to a halt.
The suit argued that despite being served with the January 27 injunction, labour leaders issued new directives urging continued strike action and mobilisation for protests, prompting the FCT Administration to seek the latest court intervention.
Earlier, the FCT Police Command had urged the labour unions to reconsider the timing of their planned rally, citing intelligence warnings that non-state actors could infiltrate the event and potentially cause disruptions.
The police acknowledged the constitutional right to peaceful protest but stressed the need to protect public safety and prevent a possible breakdown of law and order within the territory.
With the court’s interim order in place, both sides are expected to present arguments when the matter returns to court next week, a development that could influence future labour actions and negotiations in the FCT.
