Wike Threatens FCTA Workers Over Gate Blockade as Court Orders Strike Suspension

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning to workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) against blocking access to official premises.

Wike made it clear that any staff member who attempts to obstruct the gates of government offices will be held personally responsible and face legal consequences. He stated that such actions would no longer be tolerated and that enforcement would begin immediately.

Speaking to journalists in his office on Tuesday, the minister stressed that disciplinary measures would be applied to any worker who fails to report for duty. According to him, obedience to the law is not optional, and violations must attract consequences.

He questioned why unlawful behavior should be ignored, emphasizing that allowing open disobedience would undermine order and authority. Wike explained that although workers were being given a brief opportunity to comply, that leniency would end the next day.

The minister warned that starting from tomorrow, any employee who refuses to resume work would face strict sanctions. He further stated that anyone attempting to block office entrances would be singled out and used as an example to deter others, insisting that the rule of law must prevail.

This development follows a ruling by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja, which on Tuesday granted an interlocutory injunction sought by Wike and the FCT Administration. The court order directed workers operating under the Joint Union Action Committee to immediately suspend their ongoing strike action.

Despite the court’s decision, some aggrieved workers who assembled on Tuesday maintained that although they were no longer officially on strike, they would not return to work. Instead, they indicated that they would remain at home.

Staff members of the FCTA have continued to resist resumption of duties, even with the judicial directive instructing them to halt the industrial action. The situation highlights growing tension between the FCT Administration and its workforce over compliance with legal and administrative instructions.