![Hon. Festus Keyamo SAN arrives MMIA past 11:50 p.m. Feb 23 to lead oversight of Terminal 1 fire. Joined FAAN MD & team actively managing situation. Directed morning inspection Tuesday to guide restoration & confirm safety standards. Reaffirmed focus on passenger safety. Story: [link] #KeyamoMMIA #FireIncident #FAAN](https://fullcliphq.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mym-150x150.jpg "MMIA Fire: Keyamo Inspects Lagos Airport After Terminal 1 Blaze Disrupts Flights")
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has issued an interlocutory injunction suspending the ongoing FCT workers’ strike, following an application by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the FCTA Administration.
The order restrains workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) from continuing the indefinite strike which began on 19 January.
Justice E.D. Subilim, presiding over suit NICN/ABJ/17/2026, ruled that although the dispute met the legal threshold for court referral, the right to strike ceases once the matter is formally before the NICN.
The injunction remains in force pending determination of the substantive suit, now adjourned to 23 March 2026.
Background: Why Workers Downed Tools
JUAC and affiliate unions commenced the strike over unresolved issues including:
- Promotion arrears
- Withheld allowances
- Pension claims
- Broader welfare concerns
Unions argue that the FCTA has failed to fully implement long‑standing agreements.
The administration counters that 10 out of 14 demands have already been met and labels the action “politically motivated”.
Earlier on Monday, teachers joined the strike, prompting widespread school closures. Other essential services — health centres, administrative units, waste collection, and road maintenance — have also been disrupted.
The tension escalated when protesters blocked the FCTA Secretariat entrance, forcing Wike’s convoy to leave through an alternative exit. Videos circulating online showed workers chanting “Wike must go” as they ran towards the vehicles.
The Minister’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka, later clarified through Arise News that the diversion was a security decision, allowing Wike to proceed to the airport to see off President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Union and Government Positions
- The NLC, TUC, NUT and affiliates issued a 14‑day nationwide ultimatum on 24 January, demanding implementation of the 2021 CONHESS adjustment report by 7 February.
- The Federal Ministry of Health on 25 January outlined a framework for resolving CONHESS‑related issues, citing the ongoing NSIWC job evaluation (Nov 2025 – May 2026).
- The Ministry denies intentional delays or discrimination and urges suspension of the strike.
Current Situation
As of Tuesday afternoon (27 January), actual compliance with the court order remains unclear.
Some unions have signalled they may continue mobilisation despite the injunction.
Public services across the FCT remain affected, with residents experiencing delays and closures in schools, municipal services, and government offices.
The NICN ruling preserves the legal status quo — the strike is paused, litigation continues, and both sides await the 23 March hearing.
