The development comes at a period when government offices in Abuja and across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were shut down due to an indefinite strike by workers.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, travelled to the United Kingdom alongside members of his family and political associates to attend the graduation ceremony of his son at King’s College London.

This trip took place as activities within the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) were largely paralysed following the withdrawal of services by workers. On Monday, offices under the FCTA were deserted after employees complied with an indefinite strike declared by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).

 

The unions accused the FCTA of failing to resolve several long-standing issues, including unpaid wage awards, outstanding promotion arrears, delayed promotions, and the alleged unlawful retention of retired directors and permanent secretaries beyond their statutory service years. They also cited the non-remittance of pension contributions and National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions, deteriorating working conditions, and alleged intimidation of staff as reasons for embarking on the strike.

 

Despite the shutdown of public offices in the nation’s capital, the FCT Minister was in the UK for a personal family event. On Thursday, Wike confirmed his presence in London through a post on his official Facebook page, announcing that he attended his son’s graduation ceremony.

 

“Grateful to God for giving me, my wife and children the opportunity to be present to share with my son, Joaquin, his moment of joy as he earned an MSc Degree in Management and Technology Change at King’s College London today,” Wike wrote.

 

He also acknowledged the presence of political allies and friends who joined his family to celebrate the occasion. “I thank my friends, Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; and PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih, for taking out time to celebrate with my family,” he added.

 

Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, also confirmed the development, stating that Joaquin Wike successfully completed an MSc degree in Management and Technology Change at King’s College London.

 

Those present at the graduation included Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Chief Dan Orbih, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Jordan Wike, the FCT Minister and his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike, as well as their daughter, Jazmyne.

 

The minister’s overseas trip coincided with heightened tension in the FCT, as workers continued their strike action to press their demands. The Joint Union Action Committee has maintained that the strike will remain in force until all outstanding issues are addressed, leaving residents of the FCT to contend with disruptions in public services.

 

Earlier, SaharaReporters had reported that Wike instituted legal action against the Joint Union Action Committee, which comprises all trade unions and categories of staff within the FCTA, at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Abuja Division. The minister cited the ongoing strike, as well as alleged acts of picketing, obstruction and the shutdown of government activities in the capital.

 

The suit, marked NICN/ABJ/17/2026, is before Justice E. D. Subilim. The claimants are the FCT Minister and the FCTA, while the defendants are Rifkatu Iortyer and Abdullahi Umar Saleh, sued on behalf of the Joint Union Action Committee.

 

According to court documents, the claimants are seeking orders restraining the unions and their representatives from engaging in picketing, lockouts or any action targeted at the minister, heads of departments and political appointees. They also accused the unions of attempting to cripple the administration by blocking vehicular movement, shutting down offices and disrupting governance in the FCT.

 

The originating processes further alleged that if the unions’ actions are not restrained, they could lead to a complete breakdown of administrative and economic activities in the Federal Capital Territory, adversely affecting residents and the general public.

 

At the hearing, counsel to the claimants appeared before the court, while the defendants were absent. The legal team representing the minister and the FCTA included Dr. Ogwu J. Onoja, SAN; M. A. Ebute, SAN; George Ibrahim, SAN; K. O. Mustapha, Esq.; and Esther Audu, Esq.

 

After considering the submissions of counsel, as well as the reliefs sought, supporting affidavit and written address, the presiding judge ruled that the applicants had established a case deserving of the court’s intervention.

 

In a ruling delivered on January 21, 2026, Justice Subilim granted the claimants permission to serve the originating and subsequent court processes on the defendants through substituted means. The court ordered that service be carried out by publication in Leadership newspaper or any other national daily, as well as by pasting the documents at the premises of the Joint Union Action Committee at the FCTA Secretariat, No. 1 Kapital Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.

 

The judge ruled that such substituted service would be deemed valid and proper, and adjourned the matter to January 26, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.