FCTA workers urged to continue strike as JUAC files Appeal against Court ruling

The Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) has directed workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to continue their ongoing strike action, despite a National Industrial Court ruling ordering a suspension of the industrial action.

In a statement issued on Thursday, JUAC said it had filed an appeal against the court’s interlocutory ruling through its lead counsel, Femi Falana, SAN. The committee described the strike as a fight against “gross administrative impunity and systematic violation of workers’ fundamental rights” by the FCTA management.

The National Industrial Court, in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/17/2026, had on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, ordered workers to suspend their strike pending further hearing, adjourning the case to 23 March 2026. However, JUAC maintained that the court’s ruling did not undermine the legitimacy of the strike, emphasizing that “workers united cannot be defeated.”

The union has encouraged staff to stay at home and participate in daily prayers for the success of the industrial action, describing the strike as a collective struggle for labour rights. JUAC warned that any retreat at this stage would embolden further violations against workers.

The directive references the joint communiqué issued by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on 28 January 2026, which called on workers to “defend their rights with courage and dignity.”

Comrade Abdullahi Umar Saleh, Secretary of JUAC FCT, reiterated the union’s commitment to solidarity, discipline, and unwavering resistance, stating, “This struggle demands unity and commitment. A people united cannot be defeated.”