January 28, 2026 — Dalena Reporters
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have insisted that the ongoing strike by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) workers remains lawful and valid, despite a High Court order restraining the industrial action, leaders of the labour bodies said on Wednesday.
In a joint statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo, the unions accused the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, of “trying to manipulate the judicial process” to end the strike, which began in early January as workers protested poor wages and what they described as unfavourable conditions of service.
The labour leaders said the court order was obtained under “questionable circumstances” and argued that it cannot invalidate the exercise of workers’ constitutional rights to collective action, adding that the strike continues legally until a collective bargaining agreement is reached.
“We stand by the workers and the lawful exercise of their rights. Any attempt to portray this struggle as illegal is misplaced,” the statement read.
The unions called on the FCT Administration to return to the negotiation table and address outstanding disputes over salary adjustments, allowances, and enhanced conditions of service for FCT civil servants.
Separately, the TUC and NLC accused Minister Wike of influencing the filing of the court suit that led to the injunction, a claim the FCT Administration has not publicly addressed as of Wednesday evening.