Workers at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) have shunned a directive by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to continue their industrial action.
On Thursday, offices at the FCTA and FCDA secretariats were buzzing with activity as staff were seen at their duty posts, defying the union’s order to stay at home.
The JUAC, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Abdullahi Umar Saleh, on Wednesday, had instructed staff to continue the strike and participate in daily prayers for the success of the strike.
However, the workers largely ignored the call, citing a recent court order and the need to secure their salaries as the month ends.
“The court has said we should come to work, and we have no option than to comply. Also, this is the last week of January, and we are expecting our salaries. If we don’t come to work, how are we going to get paid?,” a staff member who requested anonymity stated.
The defiance follows a ruling by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, which granted an interlocutory injunction restraining the union from continuing the strike.
Justice E.D. Subilim ruled that while the issues raised amounted to a trade dispute, the workers were prohibited from striking once the matter was before the court.
Following the ruling, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a circular directing all departments and agencies to open attendance registers and enforce immediate resumption of duties.