Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division, has issued an interim order restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three others from embarking on any form of strike or protest action.

The order followed an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration, over a planned mass protest scheduled for February 3, 2026, by labour unions operating within the territory.

Ruling on the motion, Justice Subilim barred the 1st to 5th respondents, including the NLC, TUC, and the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), from embarking on any industrial action pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

The judge further directed the 6th to 9th respondents, comprising relevant security agencies, to ensure no breakdown of law and order across the Federal Capital Territory.

The legal team for the FCTA, led by Ogwu Onoja (SAN), told the court that the Chairman of the FCT Council of the NLC had already issued a mobilization notice for a mass protest, despite a subsisting court order delivered on January 27.

Onoja argued that the directive from labour unions constitutes a violation of the court’s ruling, noting that the order had been duly served on the defendants.

“Despite being served with the court’s order, the NLC and TUC, on the same day, issued a circular to all affiliates urging them to intensify and sustain the strike,” he said.

The FCT Administration also noted that the unions justified their continued strike action on the basis that Femi Falana (SAN), counsel to the labour unions, had filed an appeal against the interlocutory ruling.

A statement jointly signed by the NLC and TUC reportedly directed their members to resume the strike, prompting JUAC to circulate a memo reinforcing the decision across all FCTA offices.

Onoja warned that the move was a deliberate attempt to incite unrest and paralyse activities in the nation’s capital.

“This position is aimed at causing breakdown of law and order in the nation’s capital,” he added.

The court has adjourned the matter to February 10, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive motion on notice.