FCTA orders workers to resume duties after court ruling

The office of the head of civil service, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has directed workers across all secretariats, departments and agencies to resume duties immediately.

The directive followed an order issued on Tuesday by the national industrial court in Abuja instructing striking workers to suspend their industrial action.

Emmanuel Subilim, presiding judge, said the dispute before the court qualified as a trade dispute but ruled that the right to embark on industrial action was not absolute.

He held that once a matter is referred to the national industrial court, any ongoing strike must stop pending the court’s determination.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, Nancy Nathan, acting head of civil service at the FCTA, instructed staff to return to their duty posts without delay.

“Consequently, all Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments and Agencies are directed by this circular to maintain staff attendance register even as Management is committed to the welfare of members of staff,” the circular reads.

The circular also directed that the instruction be circulated widely to ensure compliance across all ministries, departments and agencies.

FCTA workers had commenced an indefinite strike last week over what they described as authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare demands.

The industrial action resulted in the shutdown of activities across several major government offices in Abuja.

Nyesom Wike, FCT minister, warned that workers who fail to resume duties despite the court order would face sanctions.

Speaking to journalists, Wike said there must be consequences for disobeying a lawful court directive, adding that enforcement would begin the following day.

“Are there no consequences for disobeying the law? Must we allow people break the law flagrantly? I have given them a window but from tomorrow, if they don’t come to work, we will apply the big stick,” he said.

“From tomorrow, if we see anybody who wants to block the gate, they will be made a scapegoat. The law must take its place.”