The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an interim order, effectively restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from proceeding with their planned strike, which was scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
The order was issued in a lawsuit on Monday by Justice O. Y. Anuwe with the reference NICN/ABJ/158/2023, dated June 5th, 2023. The applicant in the suit is the Federal Government, while the defendants are the NLC (Nigeria Labour Congress) and the TUC (Trade Union Congress).
Maimuna Lami Shiru (Mrs), DCL from the Federal Ministry of Justice, along with Feyisara Titiloye (PSC) and Ekene Elodinuo B. (PSC), appeared on behalf of the applicant in court. They requested an interim injunction order to restrain the Defendants/Respondents, their members, agents, employees, workmen, servants, proxies, or affiliates from initiating any form of planned Industrial Action and/or strike until the Claimants/Applicants’ motion on notice for interlocutory injunction is heard and determined.
According to Justice Anuwe, the court has the authority to issue orders or provide urgent interim relief under Sections 16 and 19(a) of the NIC Act 2006.
The Judge stated that “the urgency enumerated in the affidavit of urgency and in counsel’s submission reveals a scenario that may gravely affect the larger society and indeed the well-being of the nation at large.”
He maintained that “the counsel has pointed out that students of Secondary Schools nationwide, especially those writing WAEC exams will be affected; the Tertiary institutions who have only just resumed after a long ASUU strike will also be affected, not leaving the health sector, amongst other sectors; and above all, the economy of the nation.
Considering the totality of the application, the Judge ordered that “the defendants/Respondents are hereby restrained from embarking on the planned Industrial Action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated 5th June 2023”,
He further directed that the defendant/respondents receive prompt service of the initiating documents in the lawsuit, including the motion on notice and the court order.
Upon reaching a decision regarding the application, the Judge scheduled a hearing for the motion on notice to take place on the 19th of June, 2023. At that time, hearing notices will be delivered to the defendants/Respondents, along with the other necessary documents.
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