Workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have continued their ongoing strike action despite a court order directing them to suspend the industrial action. The strike, which began on January 19 under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), was launched to press for the resolution of long-standing welfare issues affecting workers’ morale and productivity across the FCT.

The action later gained momentum as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) joined in solidarity. Among the key demands are the payment of five months’ wage awards, outstanding promotion arrears for 2023 and 2024, full hazard allowances, rural allowances for health workers, pension and National Housing Fund remittances, and an end to alleged intimidation of staff. Workers are also calling for better welfare and improved working conditions.

On Tuesday, the National Industrial Court in Abuja ordered the suspension of the strike pending further hearing, following an application filed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the FCTA. However, checks across parts of the FCT, especially in Bwari Area Council, showed that schools and health facilities remained shut, with students sent home early due to the continued absence of workers. Some staff members said there was no official communication confirming that the strike had been called off.

Reacting to the situation, the FCT Minister’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, insisted that the unions that declared the strike had already resumed work. He explained that those still absent may not have received proper information about the suspension and expressed confidence that normal activities would fully resume soon. Meanwhile, workers insist that their action will continue until their demands are clearly addressed.