The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has filed a lawsuit against the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) of the FCT Administration over the ongoing strike by FCTA workers, ahead of a scheduled hearing on Monday.

Workers of the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) began an indefinite strike on Monday following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum, bringing activities in major government offices across Abuja to a halt.

The industrial action led to the closure of the FCTA Secretariat, prompting the deployment of operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force to restrict access to the complex.

While the FCTA management claimed that most workers’ demands had been addressed, JUAC rejected the assertion, insisting that key issues remained unresolved.

Court documents filed at the Abuja Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, under suit number NICN/ABJ/17/2026 and presided over by Justice E. D. Subilim, show that the Minister and the FCTA are seeking an order to restrain the unions and their agents from engaging in picketing, obstruction, lockouts, or any action targeting the claimants, departmental heads, or political appointees.

The unions were accused of blocking roads, shutting offices, and disrupting the operations of the FCT administration.

At the initial hearing, counsel for the claimants were present, while the defendants were absent. The Minister and the FCTA were represented by senior legal practitioners including Ogwu Onoja (SAN), M.A. Ebute (SAN), George Ibrahim (SAN), K.O. Mustapha, and Esther Audu.

After reviewing the affidavits and written submissions, Justice Subilim granted leave for substituted service of court processes on the defendants. In a ruling delivered on January 21, the judge ordered that service be effected through publication in Leadership Newspaper or any other national daily, as well as by posting the documents at the JUAC office at the FCTA Secretariat, No. 1 Kapital Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja. The court ruled that this mode of service would be considered valid and proper.

Justice Subilim said, “Having listened to counsel for applicants and taking a close look at the reliefs, the affidavit, and the written submissions, I am of the view that the applicants have established a case warranting the granting of the reliefs sought. Accordingly, leave is granted to serve the originating processes and any subsequent process on the defendants by substituted means, including advertising in a national newspaper and pasting on the premises of the Joint Union Action Committee at FCTA Secretariat, No. 1 Kapital Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja. This mode of service is deemed valid and proper.”

The case has been adjourned to January 26 for a motion on notice.

Meanwhile, JUAC has pledged to continue the strike despite the legal action. In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Holina Adejoh, the union commended workers for complying with the strike directive and reiterated that the industrial action will continue until their demands are met.

The union confirmed awareness of the court proceedings but insisted that it would not be intimidated. “We will not relent in the struggle nor allow agents of oppression to cow us into submission. JUAC will not succumb to any form of intimidation or harassment,” the statement said.

The union also appealed for unity among workers, urging continued compliance with the strike directive until further notice.