The work stoppage resumed after the union filed an appeal challenging the ruling of the National Industrial Court, which had earlier directed workers to halt the action.
At the FCTA Secretariat, as well as across various departments and agencies, only a handful of staff members were present, with the majority observing JUAC’s instruction to remain at home.
The union, through its lead counsel, Femi Falana, SAN, formally lodged the appeal against the court’s decision delivered on January 27.
The case has since been adjourned, with further hearing scheduled for March 23.
In a circular addressed to union members, JUAC Secretary, Abdullahi Saleh, called on workers to maintain full compliance with the strike directive, describing the action as a collective struggle that requires “solidarity, discipline, and total commitment.”
He added that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), in a joint statement, had encouraged workers to stand firm in the defence of their rights and insisted that the strike should continue until meaningful negotiations are initiated between the FCT Minister and affected staff.
Reacting to the development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, cautioned that filing an appeal does not automatically halt the enforcement of the court’s ruling.
Speaking during the handover of 12 newly acquired ambulances distributed across the territory, Wike described the renewed strike as avoidable, arguing that a significant portion of the workers’ demands had already been resolved.
“Let me be clear: submitting a notice of appeal does not amount to a suspension of the court’s order,” Wike said. “Strikes and prolonged litigation are not the most effective ways to resolve issues.
We remain willing to engage in dialogue, but once political interests are introduced into labour matters, appropriate actions will be taken against those responsible.”
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