Workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), on Thursday resumed the indefinite strike they began on January 19 over unresolved welfare concerns.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), only a few workers were seen at FCTA Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies, a stark contrast to Wednesday’s massive turnout. The action followed JUAC’s directive for members to stay home.

The strike resumed despite a January 27 National Industrial Court ruling directing workers to suspend their action, with the matter adjourned to March 23. The union had filed an appeal against the ruling through lead counsel Femi Falana, SAN.

Following the court’s decision, Mrs. Nancy Nathan, acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCTA, instructed all workers to resume on Wednesday, while FCT Minister Nyesom Wike warned of consequences for non-compliance. Wike, however, affirmed that the administration remained open to reasonable negotiations, noting that most worker demands had been addressed.

In response, JUAC Secretary Abdullahi Saleh, in a circular issued Wednesday, instructed workers to continue the strike, urging unity, discipline, and commitment. He encouraged members to stay home and pray for the success of their struggle.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), in a joint communique on January 28, called on FCT workers to defend their rights “with courage and dignity.” They stressed that the interlocutory injunction obtained by Wike and the FCTA targeted JUAC leaders, not the unions themselves.

Signed by NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, the statement reaffirmed that the strike will continue until meaningful negotiations take place.