Activities across the Federal Capital Territory were disrupted again on Thursday. Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration resumed their suspended strike.
The strike, led by the Joint Union Action Committee, was first declared on January 19.
It was suspended briefly after a court ruling.
However, the workers have now returned to the streets.
On Thursday morning, only a few staff were seen at the FCTA offices. Secretariats, departments, and agencies appeared largely deserted.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the development followed a directive from JUAC.
Workers were told to stay at home.
The renewed action followed an appeal filed against a court ruling. On January 27, the National Industrial Court ordered workers to suspend the strike. The court also adjourned the matter to March 23.
However, the union challenged the ruling.
The appeal was filed through lead counsel Femi Falana, SAN.
Earlier, the acting Head of the Civil Service, Mrs Nancy Nathan, had directed workers to resume. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike also issued a warning. He said there would be consequences for defying the order.
Wike further assured workers of open dialogue. He said most of their demands had already been addressed. However, labour leaders were not convinced.
The Secretary of JUAC, Abdullahi Saleh, issued a fresh circular on Wednesday.
He informed workers that the strike would continue from Thursday. He urged them to remain united and disciplined.
Saleh also encouraged workers to pray.
He said the struggle required “unity, discipline and unwavering commitment.” The message quickly spread across worker groups.
He recalled support from national labour bodies. According to him, the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress backed the action. Their joint communiqué was issued on January 28.
The unions argued that the court order did not apply to them. They said it was directed at specific JUAC officials. Therefore, the broader unions were not bound by it.
In the communiqué, labour leaders insisted on continued action. They said the strike would remain until negotiations begin. The FCTA workers strike has now entered a new phase. Meanwhile, tension remains high in the capital.
