A National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) from going on strike or protest, citing a planned mass protest by labour unions on February 3 as a violation of a previous court order.
The court, led by Justice Emmanuel Subilim, granted the order after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration filed an ex-parte application.
The NLC and TUC had planned a solidarity rally in support of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), which has been on strike over unpaid salaries and benefits.
However, the court ruled that the strike action must be suspended pending the hearing and determination of the case, which has been adjourned to February 10.
The NLC has expressed disappointment with the court ruling, stating that it will not weaken the resolve of aggrieved workers.
The union has urged its members to remain steadfast and has put organizations and individuals violating pension and housing fund laws on notice.
The FCT Police have also urged the NLC to reschedule the protest, citing intelligence reports of potential violence and infiltration by non-state actors.
