By Stanley Onyekwere
A wave of “uneasy calm” settled over the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) secretariats on Wednesday morning as civil servants trickled back to their desks.
Our correspondent reports that the resumption follows a decisive ruling by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria on Tuesday, which ordered the immediate suspension of a strike action led by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).
The presiding judge, Justice E. D. Subilim, granted the order to halt the industrial action, mandating that workers return to duty to allow for continued dialogue between the union and the administration.
However, reacting to the judicial intervention, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike noted that while the administration recognizes the democratic right to protest, the rule of law remains paramount.
He therefore urged all staff to return to their stations immediately, noting that court orders are not optional.
To ensure the directive was enforced, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a stern circular dated January 27, 2026.
In particular, the memo directed all Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies (SDAs) to: open and strictly maintain staff attendance register and monitor compliance by all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Parastatals.
It also reaffirms the administration’s commitment to staff welfare through ongoing negotiations.
A visit to the FCTA offices and affiliate MDAs on Wednesday morning revealed a “reasonable level of compliance.”
While some offices remained quiet, a significant number of personnel were seen at their posts.
However, the atmosphere remained tense as many workers awaited the outcome of the dialogue mandated by the National Industrial Court.
“We are back because of the court order. But we are hoping the administration matches its commitment to our welfare with actual results”, one staff member, who requested anonymity, told reporters.
The suspension of the strike provides a temporary reprieve for residents of the FCT who rely on administrative services, though the underlying issues cited by JUAC remain on the table.
Equally, legal experts often point to the Trade Dispute Act during such standoffs to balance worker rights with essential service delivery.
