The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has restrained the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three labour leaders from embarking on any protest or industrial action in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Sibilim issued the order on Monday following an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The individuals also affected by the order are Comrades Benson Upah, General N. A. Toro, and Stephen Knabayi.
The application, filed under Suit No: NICN/ABJ/30/26, sought to restrain the respondents from proceeding with a planned mass protest scheduled for February 3. After hearing the applicants, the court granted an interim order restraining the respondents, their agents, and associates from embarking on any strike or protest pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
Justice Sibilim also directed security agencies to ensure the maintenance of law and order throughout the FCT.
In their submissions, the FCT Minister and the FCTA told the court that the Chairman of the FCT Council of Labour Unions had circulated a mobilisation message calling on workers and affiliate unions to participate in the planned protest, an action they said violated existing court orders.
They explained that on January 27, the court had granted an interlocutory injunction restraining the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), its affiliate unions, and employees of the FCTA from continuing industrial action, and ordered them to resume work pending the determination of the substantive suit. According to the claimants, the order was served on the same day.
Despite this, the NLC and TUC allegedly issued a joint statement directing affiliate unions to sustain the strike, citing an appeal filed against the interlocutory ruling. JUAC was also said to have instructed workers to continue the industrial action.
The claimants argued that the actions were capable of disrupting governance and causing a breakdown of law and order in the nation’s capital. They further expressed concern that the planned protest could obstruct traffic, infringe on the rights of residents, and disrupt activities in public and private institutions, including schools and government offices.
The court adjourned the matter to February 10 for the hearing of the motion on notice.
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