By Kevin Akor
ABUJA, Nigeria (chatnewstv.com) — Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has applied to the National Industrial Court for an order to commit striking workers in the territory to prison, accusing them of disobeying a court directive to suspend their industrial action.
Through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, a senior advocate of Nigeria, Wike obtained Form 48, a statutory notice warning of the consequences of disobedience of a court order, which is to be served on the striking workers.
“Take note that unless you obey the directions contained in the order of Justice E.D. Subilim of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria delivered on the 27th day of January, 2026, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison,” the notice said.
The notice of the consequences of disobedience, dated Jan. 29, was signed by the registrar of the National Industrial Court, Olajide Balogun.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim on Tuesday ordered the workers to call off the strike immediately pending the determination of the substantive claims, warning that a prolonged strike could cripple government activities in the Federal Capital Territory while the court was seized of the matter.
While acknowledging that the right to strike is a lawful means for workers to express grievances, Subilim ruled that the right is not absolute.
Citing Section 18(1)(b) of the Trade Disputes Act, the judge said workers could not embark on industrial action over a dispute that had already been referred to the National Industrial Court.
In an originating summons, Wike argued that the strike did not comply with provisions of the Trade Disputes Act and further contended that the Joint Unions Action Committee leading the action is not a registered trade union.
The case has been adjourned until March 25 for hearing.
