, Nyesom Wike, has cautioned workers under the Joint Union Action Committee){kind=link}
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) against disobeying court orders, warning that such actions carry legal consequences amid the ongoing industrial dispute involving the FCT Administration.
Wike spoke in Abuja on Thursday while handing over 12 newly acquired ambulances to public hospitals across the FCT, using the occasion to respond to the posture adopted by union leaders despite the matter being before a court of law.
According to the minister, the existence of an appeal does not in itself suspend the effect of a court ruling, stressing that open defiance of judicial orders undermines the rule of law.
He argued that attempts to block access to government facilities or issue notices rejecting court directives could attract contempt proceedings.
Moreover, Wike maintained that the FCT Administration had chosen a lawful path by allowing the courts to determine the dispute, rather than resorting to arbitrary action.
He added that while the government remained open to engagement, no group should attempt to intimidate or destabilise the administration through unlawful conduct.
Addressing the substance of the workers’ grievances, the minister said most of the demands raised by the unions had already been resolved, while others were being addressed gradually.
Wike explained that governance often requires prioritisation, noting that some demands could be met immediately, while others would follow over time.
However, he warned that once labour issues were politicised, the government would respond accordingly.
The FCT minister stated that when union leaders abandon dialogue for political tactics, they risk being treated as political actors rather than workers pursuing legitimate welfare concerns.
Furthermore, the minister assured FCT employees that structural and welfare reforms within the administration were ongoing, although he acknowledged that no government could resolve every challenge at once.
He emphasised that continuous dialogue remained the most effective tool for managing disagreements.
Highlighting reforms under the current administration, Wike recalled that prior to President Bola Tinubu’s tenure, career progression within the FCT civil service was limited.
He noted that workers can now rise to the rank of permanent secretary and even become Head of Service.
In addition, he cited the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission as a major institutional reform, describing it as part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen governance and improve service delivery within the territory.