Most workers of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday resumed duties, despite a planned protest and rally announced by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and some of its affiliates against the FCT administration.

The NLC Chairman in the FCT, Comrade Stephen Knabayi, had earlier directed all unions and affiliates to mobilise for a mass protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, instructing members to appear in union attire.

However, checks across major offices within the FCT Central Administration—including the Minister’s Block, Treasury Department, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS) and other departments—showed that workers were present and carrying out their official duties.

Some workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they returned to work in compliance with a court order, noting that negotiations between the FCTA and the unions were still ongoing.

The workers, under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), had embarked on an industrial action on January 9 over outstanding allowances and other demands. In response, the FCTA approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, challenging the legality of the strike.

Last week Tuesday, the Industrial Court in Abuja ordered the suspension of the strike pending further hearing. Justice Emmanuel Subilim issued the ruling following an application filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCTA.

To enforce the court order and restore administrative normalcy, the Acting Head of Service of the FCT, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, subsequently directed permanent secretaries and heads of departments to ensure strict compliance.

In a circular dated January 27, 2026, she instructed all ministries, departments, parastatals and agencies to enforce immediate resumption of work and maintain attendance registers, while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.