The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, and key officials of the unions from embarking on any protest or industrial action within the Federal Capital Territory.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim issued the interim order on Monday while ruling on an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Also restrained by the court are the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah; the General Secretary of the TUC, Nuhu Toro; and the Chairman of the FCT chapter of the NLC, Stephen Knabayi.
The application, dated February 2, 2026, was brought before the court pursuant to a suit marked NICN/ABJ/30/26, filed by senior advocate James Onoja (SAN) on behalf of the FCT Minister and the FCTA.
In granting the application, Justice Subilim ordered the respondents, their agents, or anyone acting on their behalf to desist from embarking on any strike or protest pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The judge also directed security agencies listed as defendants in the suit to ensure the maintenance of law and order across the nation’s capital.
According to the claimants, the leadership of the FCT Council of the NLC had circulated a mobilisation message calling on workers and affiliate unions to participate in a mass protest scheduled for February 3, 2026, despite an existing court order restraining such action.
They told the court that an interlocutory injunction had earlier been granted on January 27, 2026, restraining labour unions and their affiliates from continuing the industrial action and directing them to resume work pending the determination of the substantive suit.
In an affidavit supporting the application, the claimants stated that workers under the Joint Unions Action Committee commenced an industrial action on January 19, 2026, by shutting down offices, schools, and agencies of the FCTA, effectively paralysing government activities.
They further alleged that despite being served with the court order, the labour unions issued fresh directives encouraging workers to sustain the strike.
“The defendants, acting in disregard of the court’s order, issued circulars directing workers to resume industrial action and mobilised members for a mass protest in Abuja,” the claimants said.
They added that the continued mobilisation posed a threat to public peace, vehicular movement, and the rights of residents, visitors, and businesses within the FCT.
The court has adjourned the matter to February 10, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
