The National Industrial Court has upheld the order preventing the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) from proceeding with their planned industrial action. Justice Olufunke Anuwe ruled that the order, issued on June 5, will remain in effect until the motion on notice is heard and determined. The court has instructed the parties to maintain the status quo and the case has been adjourned until July 20 for further proceedings.
The Federal Government’s counsel, Ochum Emmanuel, informed the court that the claimant was scheduled to present their motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction to restrain the defendants from striking. The defendants’ counsel, Marshall Abubakar, revealed that they had filed an application seeking to set aside the order issued on June 5. He also expressed concern about the timing of the counter-affidavit served by the claimant, implying that it was deliberately delayed.
As Abubakar requested an adjournment to review the counter-affidavit, Emmanuel objected and urged the court to proceed with the motion on notice. He argued that the defendants were not properly before the court as they had not filed their memorandum of appearance. Emmanuel also stated that if the court granted Abubakar’s adjournment request, it should uphold the order restraining the defendants from striking.
In response, Abubakar argued that Emmanuel’s application was unnecessary since the court had already instructed both parties to maintain the status quo. He informed the court that the parties were scheduled to meet later on Monday to discuss a possible resolution to the issue.
In its ruling, the court granted the adjournment, instructed the defendants to file their memorandum of appearance, and ordered both parties to maintain the status quo. The case was brought to court after the defendants planned to commence a nationwide strike on June 7 in protest against the removal of fuel subsidies and the consequent increase in fuel prices. The federal government argued that the strike would have severe implications for society, particularly in the health and education sectors.
