The National Industrial Court in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and three labour leaders from embarking on any form of strike or protest within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Justice Emmanuel Danjuma Sibilim issued the interim order on Monday following an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration.

Those restrained alongside the unions are Comrades Benson Upah, General N. A. Toro and Stephen Knabayi. The application, dated February 2, was brought under Suit No. NICN/ABJ/30/26 and argued by Dr Ogwu James Onoja (SAN) on behalf of the claimants.

In granting the application, the court barred the respondents, their agents and privies from embarking on any industrial action pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice. Justice Sibilim also directed security agencies to ensure the maintenance of law and order in the FCT.

The claimants told the court that the Chairman of the FCT Council of Labour Unions had mobilised members for a mass protest scheduled for February 3, an action they said violated earlier court orders.

According to the claimants, the court had on January 27 granted an interlocutory injunction restraining the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC), its affiliate unions and FCTA employees from further industrial action, ordering them to resume work pending the determination of the substantive suit.

They alleged that despite being served with the order, the NLC and TUC issued directives urging workers to continue the strike, citing an appeal filed by their counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), against the interlocutory ruling.

The FCT Minister and the Administration argued that the continued mobilisation for strikes and protests was aimed at disrupting public order and paralysing government activities in the nation’s capital.

Justice Sibilim adjourned the matter to February 10 for the hearing of the motion on notice.