The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an interlocutory injunction restraining the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) from continuing its ongoing strike action.
The order bars JUAC leaders, their agents and members from embarking on strikes, picketing, lockouts, road blockades or any action capable of disrupting the activities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
The ruling followed JUAC’s declaration of an indefinite strike on Monday over the alleged non-payment of promotion arrears and other entitlements.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice E.D Subilim granted an application filed by the Minister of the FCT and the FCTA, restraining the union from proceeding with the industrial action.
The named defendants, Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Umar Saleh, identified as President and Secretary of JUAC respectively, were absent from court.
Counsel to the FCTA, Dr Ogwu J. Onoja, SAN, argued that the strike was illegal and capable of paralysing the administration’s operations.
Justice Subilim held that the applicants had established a strong case warranting judicial intervention and accordingly granted the injunction.
The court also approved substituted service of court processes on the defendants due to their absence.
It ordered that the Originating Summons be published in a national daily, such as Leadership newspaper, and pasted at JUAC’s office at the FCTA Secretariat on Kapital Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.
The summons is challenging the legality of the strike, raising questions about whether due process was followed under the Trade Disputes Act.
It also questions JUAC’s legal status, arguing that it is not a registered trade union.
The matter was adjourned to Monday, January 26, 2026, for the hearing of the Motion on Notice.
Reacting to the court order, a union leader who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “Since the administration wants us to continue our agitation in court, we will go to court to defend our actions.”
Despite the ruling, workers remained defiant, as the union leadership issued another call on Thursday, urging members to stay away from work.
