The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has asked the National Industrial Court to commit striking workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to prison for alleged disobedience of a subsisting court order.
The workers resumed their strike despite a January 27 order by Justice Emmanuel Subilim directing them to suspend industrial action pending determination of a suit filed by the Minister.
To enforce compliance, Wike’s legal team, led by Ogwu Onoja SAN, obtained Form 48 — a “Notice of Consequence of Disobedience of Court Order” — warning the workers they could face contempt proceedings and imprisonment. The notice, dated January 29, was signed by the Registrar of the Industrial Court, Olajide Balogun.
Justice Subilim had earlier ruled that strikes must halt once disputes are referred to the Industrial Court, citing Section 18(1)(E) of the Trade Disputes Act. He emphasized that public interest in maintaining industrial peace outweighs any inconvenience caused by suspending strikes.
Despite this, the workers continued their action, arguing they had filed an appeal against the ruling. Wike’s counsel countered that only an express stay of execution could justify resuming the strike, insisting court orders must be obeyed.
The substantive matter has been adjourned to March 25, 2026. Meanwhile, the strike, which began January 19, has disrupted operations across FCTA Secretariat, departments, agencies, area councils, and parastatals.
The standoff now sets the stage for possible contempt proceedings, as the Industrial Court weighs enforcement of its authority against the workers’ defiance.
Godfrey Eshiemoghie
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