NLC Defies Court Order, Directs Unions To Continue FCTA Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliated unions in Abuja to continue the ongoing strike by Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers, despite a court order directing that the industrial action be suspended.

The instruction was given in a circular dated January 27, 2026, signed by the NLC’s acting General Secretary, Benson Upah.

The circular, sent to union leaders in Abuja, said the labour body was standing by its earlier decision and urged workers to continue the strike until all their 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 circular reads.

The congress listed several unresolved problems, including unpaid wage awards and promotion arrears, failure to remit pension and National Housing Fund deductions, and claims that workers are being intimidated.

“These violations are grave, unacceptable, and incompatible with the principles of fairness, justice, and decent work,” the NLC said.

“Affiliate unions are therefore directed to fully maintain participation in the industrial action; reinforce mobilisation of members for all congress-approved activities; and mobilise members to continuously participate in daily prayer and solidarity sessions from 8:00am to 5:00pm at designated venues across the FCT.”

The labour body warned that pulling out of the strike now would only encourage further abuse of 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 reads.

KanyiDaily recalls that on Tuesday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja ordered FCTA workers to suspend the strike.