The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approached the National Industrial Court seeking an order to commit striking workers in the territory to prison for allegedly violating a court directive.
Through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, the minister obtained Form 48, a notice outlining the consequences of disobedience to a court order, which is to be served on the striking workers.
Part of the notice reads: “Take note that unless you obey the directions contained in the order of Justice E.D. Subilim of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria delivered 27th day of January 2026, you will be guilty of the contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”
The notice of consequence of disobedience of the court order, dated January 29, was signed by the Registrar of the Industrial Court, Mr Olajide Balogun.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim had on Tuesday ordered the workers to immediately suspend the strike pending the determination of the substantive suit, warning that a prolonged action could cripple government activities in the territory while the matter remained before the court.
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The judge ruled that although workers have the right to strike in order to press home their grievances, the exercise of that right is not absolute.
Relying on Section 18(1)(b) of the Trade Dispute Act, Justice Subilim held that workers are barred from embarking on industrial action once a dispute has been referred to the National Industrial Court.
In the originating summons, the minister argued that the ongoing strike did not comply with the provisions of the Trade Disputes Act, further contending that the Joint Unions Action Committee is not a registered trade union.
The matter has been adjourned to March 25 for hearing.
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