NLC Insists on FCT Workers’ Strike Despite Court Ruling

The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has refuted allegations by its national secretariat implicating the Edo State Government in the raid of the labour house in the state. Acting State Chairman, Bernard Egwekhide, and Acting State Secretary, Kingsley Ireotoi, issued this rebuttal in a statement on Monday. The statement emphasized that claims of police officers storming the labour house were entirely baseless. “This is to deny the claim by the NLC national secretariat that the Edo State Government forcefully broke into and ransacked the Edo State Labour House. “Instead, the police officers seen in a video shared by the former chairman, Comrade Odion Olaye, were stationed at the premises upon the request of the congress leadership to safeguard the building and its properties. “There is a long-standing cordial relationship between the Edo State Government and the various labour unions, including the NLC. Recently, there was a meeting between the state government and labour representatives aimed at addressing irregularities in the minimum wage (administrative wage) implemented by the previous administration. “Furthermore, the Edo State Government has never engaged in any acts of vandalism or intimidation against labour unions or their properties. We believe such allegations are intended to tarnish the image of the state government and sow unnecessary discord between the government and the labour unions," the statement read. The state council went on to challenge the national secretariat to prove its allegations if otherwise.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed its affiliate unions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to continue the ongoing strike by workers of the FCT Administration, notwithstanding a court order directing that the action be suspended.

The directive was issued in a circular dated January 27, 2026, signed by Benson Upah, acting general secretary of the NLC, and addressed to presidents and general secretaries of unions operating in Abuja.

In the circular, the labour centre said it was reiterating its earlier position, urging workers to sustain and even intensify the industrial action until all outstanding demands are met.

“We hereby reaffirm and reinforce the directive to all affiliate unions in the FCT to not only proceed with the ongoing action but to intensify and sustain it until all workers’ demands are fully addressed,” the NLC stated.

According to the congress, key grievances remain unresolved, including unpaid wage awards and promotion arrears, failure to remit pension and National Housing Fund deductions, as well as alleged acts of intimidation against workers.

The NLC described these issues as serious violations, saying they are incompatible with fairness, justice, and the principles of decent work.

Affiliate unions were directed to maintain full participation in the strike, strengthen mobilisation efforts, and ensure members take part in daily prayer and solidarity activities scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at designated locations across the FCT.

The congress warned that any attempt to withdraw from the strike at this stage could encourage further infringements on workers’ rights.

“This struggle demands unity, discipline, and unwavering commitment. All affiliates are expected to comply strictly with this directive in the collective interest of the Nigerian working class. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the circular added.

Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered workers under the FCT Administration to suspend the strike.

In his ruling, Justice Emmanuel Subilim held that while the dispute qualifies as a trade dispute, the right to embark on industrial action is not absolute. He noted that once a matter has been referred to the court, any ongoing strike must be halted pending the determination of the case.

Also reacting, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warned that workers who fail to return to duty in compliance with the court order would face sanctions.

“Are there no consequences for disobeying the law? Must we allow people to break the law flagrantly?” Wike asked. “I have given them a window, but from tomorrow, if they don’t come to work, we will apply the big stick.”

He added that anyone attempting to block access to offices would be dealt with decisively, stressing that the rule of law must prevail.