Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has given striking workers a final ultimatum to resume their duties or risk facing prosecution, following a court judgment that declared the ongoing industrial action illegal.
The warning came on Tuesday, January 27, after the National Industrial Court upheld an earlier injunction ordering workers to end their strike, which has crippled essential services across Abuja for more than a week.
Addressing reporters after the ruling, Wike insisted that no one was above the law and accused unnamed politicians of manipulating the strike for their own agenda.
“The administration was already in the process of mediation when some politicians hijacked the strike,” he said.
According to the minister, many of the issues raised by the workers were either “frivolous,” already resolved, or simply unrealistic.
He maintained that the government had engaged in genuine dialogue before turning to the courts after discovering political interference in the dispute.
Wike defended his administration’s track record on worker welfare, revealing that over N12 billion had just been released for January salaries.
He also pointed to a surge in internally generated revenue, which he said had exceeded ₦30 billion under his watch, a marked improvement over previous years.
The minister called on workers to appreciate reforms already implemented, such as the creation of a Civil Service Commission and increased investment in infrastructure.
In a controversial remark, Wike suggested that civil servants themselves bore responsibility for underdevelopment in many states and the FCT.
“Workers are largely responsible for the lack of development in states, including the FCT,” he said.
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Wike also dismissed viral claims that angry protesters had forced him out of his office during demonstrations.
“I was never chased out of the office,” he clarified, explaining that he had simply left to accompany President Bola Tinubu to the airport.
The minister took a hardline stance against future disruptions, warning that anyone who attempts to barricade government premises would be severely punished.
“Anyone who dares to lock the gates again will be made a scapegoat, because the law must be obeyed,” he declared.
He further alleged that certain directors within the civil service were actively encouraging the strike, but vowed that such actions would not influence his decisions.
Responding to complaints that workers could not access him directly, Wike was blunt.
“Seeing me in person is not a right,” he said, adding that union representatives had been negotiating with management throughout the crisis.
The minister concluded with a firm warning that any worker who defies the court order would be prosecuted, signaling a shift toward stricter enforcement as the administration moves to restore normal operations in the capital.
Staff of the FCTA, operating under the Joint Union Action Committee, began their indefinite strike on January 19 over unaddressed welfare issues.
Justice E.D. Subilim of the National Industrial Court had earlier granted an interlocutory injunction on January 21 following an application by Wike. The case was subsequently adjourned to January 27 for further hearing.