By Muhammad Mamman
The National Industrial Court has ordered workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to suspend their ongoing strike, dealing a major blow to the industrial action that has disrupted public services in Abuja.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, the court directed the unions involved to immediately call off the strike pending the determination of the substantive suit before it. The judge held that the continuation of the industrial action could adversely affect public order and essential services in the nation’s capital.
The strike, which began over unresolved issues relating to wages and welfare, had led to partial shutdowns across several government offices and public facilities within the FCT. Residents had complained of delays in administrative services and mounting inconvenience.
The court also urged both parties — the FCT Administration and the labour unions — to return to the negotiating table and explore amicable resolutions in the interest of industrial harmony and public welfare.
Union leaders are yet to formally react to the ruling, while officials of the FCT Administration welcomed the order, describing it as an opportunity to restore normalcy and continue dialogue.
