The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly rejected the decision of the National Industrial Court to suspend the ongoing strike by workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), insisting that the ruling will not dampen the resolve of aggrieved workers. The labor union described the court’s action as disappointing and harmful to the cause of workers who, it says, are protesting long-standing violations of labor laws.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, expressed dismay over the court’s order halting the industrial action and adjourning the substantive matter to March 25, 2026. According to the congress, the ruling failed to address the fundamental issues that led workers to down tools in the first place.

Upah faulted the National Industrial Court for what the NLC described as its silence on “persistent violations of labor laws” allegedly committed by the FCTA. He argued that the court missed an opportunity to protect workers by not making any pronouncement on the core grievances raised by the union.

Among the key concerns highlighted by the NLC is the alleged non-remittance of statutory deductions, which it described as clear breaches of existing laws. The congress accused the FCTA of failing to remit National Housing Fund (NHF) and pension deductions on behalf of workers, stressing that such actions undermine employees’ welfare and financial security.

The NLC emphasized that under Nigerian law, failure to remit NHF deductions is a punishable offense, attracting fines ranging from N50,000 to as much as N100 million, with possible jail terms for responsible officers. The union also cited provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014 (as amended), which require employers to remit pension contributions within seven working days, with penalties of up to 24 per cent per annum for defaults.

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Beyond the legal issues, the labour body accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of worsening tensions following the court ruling. According to the NLC, the minister allegedly issued threats of dismissal to striking workers almost immediately after the court order was granted, creating what it described as a toxic atmosphere.

In its statement, the congress lamented that the court did not consider granting even a minimal injunctive relief in favour of workers. It argued that the long adjournment combined with the denial of such relief was “irreparably damaging” to the struggle of the affected workers and raised questions about the court’s disposition toward the matter.

The NLC maintained that if the intention of the court’s decision was to break the strike or weaken the resolve of workers, it would fail. The congress reassured workers that their determination remained unshaken and urged them to stay resolute in defending their rights.

The union further warned that there are broader risks when judicial institutions, in its view, fail to uphold justice in labour disputes. It cautioned that Nigeria must not take a path where workers lose confidence in legal mechanisms meant to protect them.

In a stern warning, the NLC put all institutions, organisations, and individuals allegedly violating the Pension Reform Act and National Housing Fund Act on notice for what it described as “serious engagement.” It also called on workers and organs of the congress to remain on high alert and ensure that this engagement is effectively carried out.

As the dispute continues, the standoff between the NLC, the FCTA, and the courts underscores deeper tensions in Nigeria’s labour relations. With the next court date set far into the future, the unfolding situation is likely to remain a critical test of workers’ rights, government accountability, and the role of the judiciary in industrial conflicts.