Anxiety In Abuja As Police Warn NLC To Shelve protest, Say Shiite may hijack it
As the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT chapter and workers of the Federal Capital Development Authority ( FCDA) set to protest unpaid wages as the apogee of the one week strike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Monday urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT chapter to reschedule today’s planned peaceful protest.
A statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josehine Adeh said the development is in the overriding interest of public safety.
Adeh said, “The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT Council, scheduled to hold tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, within the Federal Capital Territory.
“While the Command recognizes and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, and remains committed to providing adequate security for all lawful activities, intelligence reports at the disposal of the Police indicate plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.
In view of the above, and in the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organizers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time.
This measure is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order, while also ensuring that the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement, and the conduct of lawful daily activities are not infringed upon.
“The Command assures residents of the Federal Capital Territory of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and urges all citizens to continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the collective effort to maintain peace and security.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has directed all its employees to resume work immediately and announced the strict enforcement of a “No Work, No Pay” policy starting February 2, 2026.
This is as the Administration dismissed the claims that an appeal could delay the return-to-work order.
The directive comes after the National Industrial Court (NIC) ordered the suspension of the strike called by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) and its affiliate unions on January 26, 2026.
According to a circular signed by the Acting Head of the Civil Service, Nancy Nathan, and addressed to all Mandate Secretaries, Coordinators, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Abuja Infrastructure Investment Centre (AIIC), Satellite Town Development Department (STDD), Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Parastatals and Agencies, the strike, which began on January 19, 2026, has prompted urgent action by the FCTA to ensure continuity of public service.
The circular notes that while some parties have attempted to exploit the situation, the court’s restraining order remains valid and subsisting until formally set aside.
The circular clarified that an application for leave to appeal filed by the law firm of Femi Falana, does not automatically stay the NIC’s order, emphasizing that the court’s decision must be obeyed by all employees.
Employees were explicitly instructed to return to their various offices and resume their duties immediately. The FCTA administration highlighted that the minister remains open to addressing genuine grievances presented by workers, signalling willingness for reconciliation without compromising the rule of law.
“It has come to the knowledge of the Minister that some persons who do not mean well for the employees and the FCTA, have resorted to exploiting the situation by asking workers not to resume work on the flimsy ground that the restraining order of the National Industrial Court has been appealed against to the Court of Appeal. As at today, the NIC has not issued any contrary order or granted stay of execution of its order made on the 26th January, 2026. Same is still valid and subsisting until it is set aside.
“What the law firm of Femi Falana, SAN filed is an application for leave to appeal simpliciter. Assuming there is even an appeal, that does not on its own without more operate as a stay.
“To this end, workers are to return to their various offices immediately and attend to their duties and responsibilities for which they were employed. The Hon. minister is amenable to reconciliation and will attend to the genuine grievances presented by the workers.” The circular reads
In addition to mandating resumption of duties, the FCTA warned that any worker found absent without valid cause after February 2 would be subject to the “No Work, No Pay” policy.
The circular made it clear that this enforcement is not negotiable and applies uniformly across all departments and agencies.
Heads of Departments and Agencies have been tasked with ensuring full compliance with the directive, with instructions to communicate the contents of the circular to all staff. The FCTA stressed that leadership at all levels must play an active role in monitoring adherence to the order.
The administration described the circular as necessary to prevent further exploitation of the situation by individuals or groups seeking to disrupt public service operations.
It emphasised that adherence to the court order is a legal obligation, and attempts to delay compliance using technicalities will not be tolerated.
The FCTA however, urged all employees to prioritise their responsibilities and warned that failure to comply would result in immediate sanctions under the new policy. The directive underscores the administration’s commitment to upholding law, order, and accountability in public service operations.
“Take notice that the FCTA administration shall strictly enforce No Work No Pay policy with effect from 2nd February, 2026 against any worker found wanting or violating this directive.
“This directive is to be implemented by all Heads of Departments and Agencies of the FCTA. Please bring the content of the circular to all staff.” The circular reads in parts.
