JUST IN : NLC, TUC suspend planned protest in Abuja, direct workers to end strike

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended their planned protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and directed workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to return to work with immediate effect.

The decision followed a meeting between labour leaders, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and members of the Senate Committee on the FCT. The meeting, which commenced late on Monday and extended into the early hours of Tuesday, resulted in an agreement that led to the suspension of the protest and the resumption of normal activities across FCTA offices.

The development may bring an end to a dispute that originated from an industrial action by FCTA workers over unresolved labour and welfare issues.

According to reports, workers under the FCTA, led by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), embarked on an indefinite strike on January 19, 2026, over unpaid allowances, welfare-related concerns, and other outstanding labour matters. The strike crippled operations across the FCTA, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), and their affiliated agencies.

In response, the FCT Minister and the FCTA approached the National Industrial Court in Abuja. On January 27, 2026, the court ordered the workers to suspend the strike and resume duties pending the outcome of the case before it.

However, the NLC and TUC rejected the court order and instructed workers to continue the strike, escalating tensions and leading to plans for a solidarity rally scheduled for Tuesday, February 3.

Ahead of the planned protest, the FCT Police Command advised against the rally, citing security concerns and the risk of the demonstration being hijacked by non-state actors.

Similarly, on February 2, the National Industrial Court issued an interim order restraining the NLC, TUC, and JUAC from proceeding with the protest. The court also directed security agencies to maintain law and order in the FCT pending further hearings.

The interim order followed an ex parte application filed by the FCT Minister and the FCTA, who argued that the planned protest would disrupt government activities, obstruct traffic, and infringe on the rights of residents.

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