NLC tells Unions to Continue FCT Strike Despite Court Order

Abuja’s public service disruption could deepen after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) directed affiliate unions in the Federal Capital Territory to continue, and even intensify,the ongoing strike despite a court order. 

The decision raises the stakes for residents and businesses in the FCT, as work stoppages ripple from government offices into schools, hospitals, transport-linked services and the broader informal economy that depends on daily foot traffic.

According to the Labour Centre, the dispute has not been resolved. The NLC says key demands remain outstanding, including unpaid wage awards and promotion arrears, as well as issues related to pension and National Housing Fund deductions. 

The group also pointed to alleged intimidation of workers as part of the grievance list, arguing that industrial action should continue until agreements are reached and implemented, not merely promised.

From an economic perspective, prolonged strikes in the nation’s capital create visible costs. Government processing slows, timelines stretch, and small businesses that sell to civil servants, food vendors, transport operators, service providers feel the impact quickly.

For private-sector firms that must interact with FCT agencies, administrative delays can translate into real losses: stalled permits, delayed procurement approvals, and deferred inspections.

Politically, the standoff is a test of crisis management. Court orders may shape the legal boundaries, but industrial disputes ultimately end through negotiation, credible timelines and trust.

If either side frames the issue as a show of force, the risk is escalation: harder rhetoric, more disruptions, and a longer path back to normal operations.