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The National Industrial Court has warned senior officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and key labour leaders that they risk imprisonment for contempt if they fail to comply with an existing court order halting strike action in Abuja.
The warning was issued through a Form 48 notice dated January 29, 2026, and signed by the court’s senior registrar, Olajide Balogun. The notice cautioned that disobedience of an order granted on January 27 could attract custodial punishment.
“Unless you obey the directions contained in the order of Honorable Justice E D Subilim dated January 27, 2026, you will be guilty of contempt of court and liable to be committed to prison,” the notice stated.
The contempt notice follows an industrial dispute that began on January 19, when workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration launched an indefinite strike in Abuja.
The action, coordinated by the Joint Union Action Committee, involved workers responsible for core government services across the capital, disrupting public operations and administrative activities.
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In response, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, alongside the FCTA, approached the National Industrial Court seeking an order to stop the strike. On January 27, Justice Emmanuel Subilim granted an interlocutory injunction directing workers to suspend the industrial action pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The court held that once a trade dispute is formally referred to it under Nigerian labour law, the right to strike is no longer absolute and must be restrained until the case is resolved.
The Form 48 notice was directed at Abdullahi Saleh, secretary of the Joint Union Action Committee, and Benson Upah, acting general secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Read Also: Our Strike Continues – JUAC Dismisses FCTA’s Claims
In his ruling, Justice Subilim restrained the defendants and all members of the Joint Union Action Committee from engaging in any form of industrial action while the case remains before the court.
The injunction specifically barred strike actions, picketing, lockouts, road blockades, obstruction of vehicular movement, and any conduct capable of disrupting the operations of the FCTA.
The judge noted that the order was meant to prevent activities “intended to cripple operations or frustrate the businesses and activities” of the FCTA until the court reaches a final decision.
Following the ruling, lawyers representing the FCT Minister wrote to the court alleging that the injunction had been ignored by labour leaders.
According to the letter, the defendants continued to issue directives encouraging workers to remain on strike despite the court order.
“Despite the restraining order, the defendants have directed workers to continue their strike action in total disregard of the authority of this Honourable Court,” the lawyers stated, adding that court orders “are not made for fun.”
The allegation prompted the court to issue the contempt warning as a formal step preceding possible enforcement action.
The case has been adjourned to March 25, 2026, when the court is expected to hear a motion on notice and determine the next phase of the dispute.
