ABUJA – Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a final warning to striking workers at the FCT Secretariat, vowing that anyone defying a subsisting court order will face imprisonment for contempt of court.
The Minister gave this warning on Thursday, January 29, 2026, during the handover of 12 new ambulances to FCT hospitals. The warning comes after members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) continued their industrial action, which began on January 19, despite an interlocutory injunction from the National Industrial Court.
Legal Crackdown Looming
Minister Wike revealed that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria has already issued Form 48, a formal notice of the consequences of disobeying court orders, which has been served on the union’s leadership.
“I appeal to all of you, forget this thing where you go and block the gate and say you will not obey court order,” Wike stated. “By the time we go for contempt of those who are blocking the gate, then you will see the difference”.
Wike dismissed the union’s argument that their pending appeal justifies the continued strike, noting that filing a Notice of Appeal does not automatically stay the execution of a court order.
“Political Hijack”
The Minister alleged that the strike—initially based on demands for unpaid promotion arrears and pension remittances—has been “hijacked” by political interests seeking to destabilize his administration.
- Dialogue vs. Confrontation: Wike stated he remains open to dialogue but will treat those who continue to block gates as “political opponents” rather than workers.
- Demands Met: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) claims to have already satisfied 10 out of the 14 demands raised by JUAC.
- Fund Release: Wike recently approved ₦12 billion for January salaries and ₦2 billion for outstanding arrears to demonstrate his commitment to worker welfare.
The Standoff Continues
Despite the threats, JUAC leaders have urged workers to stay at home, rejecting claims that their core demands have been met. The National Industrial Court, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Subilim, has adjourned the substantive case to March 25, 2026.
Wike warned that from Wednesday, the administration would “apply the big stick” to any worker failing to resume duties, stressing that “court orders are not made in vain”.
