The National Industrial Court has issued an interim injunction restraining the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three other parties from embarking on any strike action or protest within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Justice Emmanuel Subilim made the order while ruling on an ex-parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration (FCTA). The court directed that the 1st to 5th respondents, along with their agents and affiliates, must refrain from any form of industrial action pending the determination of a motion on notice.
In the same ruling, Justice Subilim ordered the 5th to 9th defendants—identified as security agencies—to take necessary steps to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the nation’s capital.
The ex-parte motion, argued by counsel to the minister and the FCTA, Ogwu Onoja, informed the court that the Chairman of the FCT Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) had allegedly circulated a mobilisation message to union members and affiliated bodies, calling for a mass protest scheduled for February 3.
According to the applicant, the planned protest was in clear violation of an earlier court order. Onoja further told the court that following the ruling delivered on January 27, the restraining order was duly served on the defendants on the same day. However, despite being served, the NLC and TUC reportedly issued a joint statement urging all affiliated unions to intensify and sustain the strike action.
The statement, jointly signed by leaders of the two labour centres, allegedly directed striking workers to resume the industrial action, citing the decision of their counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), to file an appeal against the interlocutory ruling of the court.
Onoja also informed the court that JUAC subsequently issued a circular instructing all employees to continue with the strike, a move he argued was capable of causing a breakdown of law and order within the Federal Capital Territory.
After hearing the application, Justice Subilim granted the interim reliefs sought and adjourned the matter until February 10 for the hearing of the substantive motion on notice.
