By SUNTV Global Channel
January 28, 2026 | News
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have reaffirmed that the ongoing strike by workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remains lawful, despite a recent court order, accusing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of intimidation, harassment, and acting in bad faith.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the labour centres declared full solidarity with the striking workers, insisting that the industrial action has not been restrained by any court ruling against the unions themselves.
The statement was jointly signed by the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Benson Upah, and the Secretary General of the TUC, Comrade General N.A. Toro.
According to the unions, the Minister has subjected FCT workers to what they described as “shabby treatment,” worsened by what they termed a “one-sided ruling” from the National Industrial Court in Abuja, allegedly designed to weaken the strike and suppress workers’ demands.
The labour leaders said they initially believed the court ruling could open a window for dialogue and a peaceful resolution between organised labour and the FCT Administration. However, they accused Wike of abandoning dialogue and instead resorting to threats.
“As patently skewed as the ruling was, we had hoped Mr Wike would seize the opportunity to engage organised labour for an amicable resolution. Instead, he has resorted to boastful threats against workers,” the statement read.
The NLC and TUC stressed that the grievances of FCT workers are already severe and should not be compounded by intimidation, humiliation, insults, or harassment. They warned that Nigerian workers must not be reduced to “slaves in their own country,” reaffirming their commitment to the rule of law and the protection of workers’ rights.
Clarifying the legal status of the strike, the unions explained that the court order obtained by the FCT Minister applied only to two individual union leaders, not to the labour unions or the striking workers.
“Mr Wike obtained an interlocutory injunction against two individuals, not against the trade unions. Therefore, the strike continues,” the unions stated.
The labour bodies urged FCT workers to remain resolute, disciplined, and united, assuring them that the strike remains lawful despite what they described as relentless pressure and intimidation.
Beyond the dispute with the FCT Administration, the unions also issued a stern warning to the judiciary. While commending judges they described as courageous and principled defenders of the weak, the NLC and TUC cautioned against what they termed “cash-and-carry judges,” whose actions, they warned, erode public trust in the justice system.
Invoking moral accountability, the unions referenced the late journalist Dele Giwa, warning that history would not be kind to judicial officers who compromise justice.
The NLC and TUC concluded by declaring that the strike would continue until the FCT Minister abandons what they described as a confrontational approach and agrees to meaningful negotiations with workers.
“Workers, keep fighting for your rights. It is safer to die on your feet than live on your knees,” the statement concluded.
