By Omeiza Ajayi
The rhythmic hum of administrative activity returned to the Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA and its affiliated agencies on Wednesday as workers officially resumed their duties, more than a week after downing tools.
The return to work followed Tuesday’s landmark ruling by the National Industrial Court, which effectively broke the week-long gridlock that had paralysed the nation’s capital.
The court, presided over by Justice E. D. Subilim, mandated that the industrial action initiated by the Joint Unions Action Committee JUAC be suspended immediately. The ruling was designed to transition the dispute from the streets back to the negotiating table, allowing essential public services to resume while dialogue continues.
In the wake of the judicial pronouncement, FCT minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike struck a firm tone, reminding the workforce that while democratic protests are recognised, the sanctity of court orders is non-negotiable.
He stressed that the administration is prepared to move forward with its reform agenda, which requires a fully functional civil service.
To ensure the directive was translated into action, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, issued a high-priority circular directing Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Agencies to open and strictly maintain staff attendance registers to track resumption; enforce immediate compliance across all Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies SDAs; and, report back on the operational status of their respective units.
On-the-ground observations at the FCTA Secretariat on Wednesday indicated substantial compliance. Offices that had been locked in the shadow of the strike were reopened, and staff were seen carrying out their routine official functions.
The atmosphere at the various SDAs suggests a cautious but steady return to normalcy, as the FCTA moves to clear the backlog of administrative tasks accumulated during the hiatus.
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