The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, led by Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reiterated its willingness to engage in reasonable dialogue with striking workers but maintains it will not yield to pressure tactics it describes as "blackmail" or "intimidation."
This position comes after the National Industrial Court ordered the suspension of the industrial action initiated by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
In a press briefing following the court's decision, Minister Wike provided a detailed account of the administration's efforts, the territory's financial realities, and the path forward.
Minister Wike emphasized that the administration has consistently prioritized engagement. "When the strike started, we did not rush to court. We believed in dialogue and engagement," he stated. He confirmed that union leaders have met with FCT management and that genuine grievances would be addressed through discussion.
However he framed the decision to seek a court injunction as a necessary step to prevent the strike from being hijacked by political interests and to allow for an impartial resolution. "This is a democracy... But strike action should always be the last option," Wike added, urging understanding from workers.
With this allocation, if the federal government earns ₦1 trillion, the FCT receives approximately ₦10 billion. January salaries alone cost over ₦12 billion, meaning statutory allocation cannot cover all obligations.
The administration has significantly boosted Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from about ₦9 billion to ₦30 billion, which Wike described as critical progress.
He highlighted several reforms achieved under his tenure, including establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission, appointing permanent secretaries, and creating the Office of the Head of Service structures he stated did not previously exist.
"These reforms were not in place. You cannot expect us to spend all revenue on wages while abandoning infrastructure development," Wike stated, arguing that the administration has reasonably met legitimate worker demands.
The National Industrial Court, presided over by Justice E.D. Subilim, granted an interlocutory injunction restraining JUAC from continuing the strike. The court ruled that once a trade dispute is referred to it, workers are prohibited from striking pending the case's determination. The substantive suit has been adjourned to March 23, 2026, for hearing.
In line with the ruling, Minister Wike warned that any worker failing to resume duties would face disciplinary action. "Disobeying the law has consequences... Anyone who blocks government facilities will face the full weight of the law," he declared. He firmly dismissed social media rumors that he was chased from his office, labeling them misinformation.