Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA under the Joint Union Action Committee JUAC on Thursday resumed their indefinite strike earlier launched on January 19 over unresolved welfare issues.
Observations by the News Agency of Nigeria NAN revealed minimal staff presence across FCTA secretariats, departments and agencies, a sharp contrast to the large turnout recorded on Wednesday.
The reduced attendance followed a directive by JUAC instructing workers to remain at home.
The renewed strike action followed JUAC’s decision to file an appeal against the ruling of the National Industrial Court delivered on January 27, which ordered the suspension of the strike and adjourned the matter to March 23.
The appeal was filed through the union’s lead counsel Femi Falana SAN.
After the court ruling, the acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCTA Mrs Nancy Nathan directed all staff to resume work on Wednesday.
Similarly, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike warned that sanctions would be imposed on workers who failed to return to duty.
He also assured staff of the administration’s willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, stating that “the majority of the demands have been addressed”.
However, JUAC Secretary Abdullahi Saleh, in a circular issued on Wednesday, informed workers that the strike would continue from Thursday pending the outcome of the appeal.
He urged workers “to stay at home and pray for the success of the strike”, emphasizing that the struggle requires unity, discipline and unwavering commitment.
Saleh also referenced the backing of major labour unions, noting that the Nigerian Labour Congress NLC and the Trade Union Congress TUC in a joint communiqué dated January 28 encouraged FCT workers “to defend their rights with courage and dignity”.
According to the unions, the interlocutory injunction secured by Wike and the FCTA was directed at the President of JUAC Mrs Rifkatu Iortyer and Saleh, rather than the trade unions.
In the communiqué signed by NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro, the unions maintained that the strike would continue “until Wike negotiates with FCT workers”.
