Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike Tuesday warned striking FCAT workers that failure to return to work in compliance with court-ordered ruling would attract immediate sanctions.

Recall that the National Industrial Court (NIC) ordered suspension of the ongoing strike but granted no injunctive relief in favour of the workers.

The court also adjourned the suit between the Minister of the FCT/FCTA and FCT workers to March 25, 2026, for further hearing.

However, briefing newsmen on Tuesday, the Minister reaffirmed his administration’s stance on the rule of law, stating that “disobeying a valid court order has consequences” for those who refuse to resume duty.

“Are there no consequences for disobeying the law? Must we allow people break the law flagrantly? I have given them a window but from tomorrow, if they don’t come to work, we will apply the big stick,” he threatened.

He warned that anyone attempting to block the gate would be made a scapegoat, saying, “From tomorrow (Wednesday), if we see anybody who wants to block the gate, they will be made a scapegoat. The law must take its place”.

He said the FCTA had been open to dialogue, with discussions held between labour representatives and management.

“We have been disposed to dialogue. They have met with management, so what are the issues? If genuinely they want dialogue, then we’ll talk,” he said.

Wike had approached the National Industrial Court to challenge the legality of the strike.

According to the FCTA, the industrial action violated established labour procedures, including failure to exhaust dispute-resolution mechanisms before embarking on a total shutdown.

The FCTA officials argued that the industrial action poses a significant threat to public order and the delivery of essential services across the capital.

They defended their decision to seek a judicial interpretation, describing it as a necessary measure to ensure the continuity of governance and to prevent the city from being held to ransom by a prolonged strike.