By Joan Nwagwu
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged FCT workers to remain resolute following the National Industrial Court (NIC) order suspending their ongoing strike.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary of the NLC, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The NLC recalled that the NIC ordered the suspension of the strike but granted no injunctive relief in favour of the workers.
The court also adjourned the suit between the Minister of the FCT/FCTA and FCT workers to March 25, 2026, for further hearing.
Reacting to the ruling, Upah expressed dissatisfaction, describing it as inadequate to address the grievances of the workers.
He said the court failed to address alleged non-remittance of National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions by the FCT administration.
Upah noted that the NHF Act prescribes fines and possible imprisonment for employers who fail to remit deductions within one month.
The NLC also noted the Pension Reform Act 2014, which mandates pension remittance within seven working days after salary payments.
It said pension defaults attract penalties, including interest payments into affected workers’ Retirement Savings Accounts.
The congress added that other alleged violations by the FCT administration were not addressed by the court.
It expressed concern over the long adjournment and the absence of interim relief for the workers.
The NLC further alleged that the FCT Minister issued threats of sack to workers shortly after the court ruling.
It urged FCT workers to remain calm and resolute, assuring them of continued efforts to protect their rights through lawful means. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
