The National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja is set to rule today on a case involving the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration against the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC). The court proceedings followed a strike initiated by JUAC after a seven-day ultimatum expired, significantly disrupting operations at major FCTA offices, including the FCTA Secretariat.
The claimants, represented by their counsel James Onoja (SAN), are seeking an interlocutory injunction to prevent JUAC leaders, including Chairman Rifkatu Iortyer and Secretary Abdullahi Umar Saleh, from engaging in industrial action. They argue that JUAC lacks legal standing, as it is not registered under the Trade Union Act or the Companies and Allied Matters Act, thus rendering the strike illegal.
During the hearing, counsel for the workers’ union, Maxwell Opara, contended that the motion for an injunction would prematurely resolve the case’s substantive issues. He highlighted the risks of directing workers back to work while their salaries remain unpaid and suggested arbitration involving the FCT minister.
Justice E.D. Subilim has adjourned the case until January 27 for a ruling. The situation remains tense as the FCTA management claims to have addressed most workers’ demands, while JUAC insists that key issues remain unresolved, leading to ongoing industrial action.
