The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Monday charged the Nigerian Labour Congress, FCT Council, to reschedule its planned protest for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, for the safety of the public.

The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have planned a protest for Tuesday in Abuja in solidarity with the Federal Capital Territory Administration Workers’ Joint Union Action Committee over unpaid welfare for FCTA workers.

The police, in a statement by their spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, however, acknowledged citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and protest.

In the statement signed by its spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the command stated that intelligence reports at the police’s disposal indicate plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest to disrupt public peace.

“While the command recognises and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, and remains committed to providing adequate security for all lawful activities, intelligence reports at the disposal of the police indicate plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.

“In view of the above, and in the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organisers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time.

“This measure is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order, while also ensuring that the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement, and the conduct of lawful daily activities are not infringed upon,” Ms Adeh noted.

The command further assures Abuja residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property. It also urges citizens to continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the collective effort to maintain peace and security.

The wage dispute between the FCTA and workers has led to legal proceedings following an indefinite strike by the staff, which began on January 19, 2026.

Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court ordered the workers to suspend the strike following a motion by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The matter was adjourned to March 25, 2026, for further hearing.

Following the development, the NLC and the TUC accused the FCT minister of intimidating workers and reiterated support for the striking staff. In a joint statement, the unions described the National Industrial Court ruling as “one-sided” and urged workers to maintain morale and continue with the strike action.

The JUAC leaders, Rifkatu Lortyer and Abdullahi Saleh, also filed an application before the Court of Appeal seeking leave to challenge the industrial court’s ruling and a stay of execution pending the appeal.

The motion, signed by human rights lawyers including Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, argued that the enforcement of the industrial court’s order could render the appeal ineffective.