The National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja has issued a directive, instructing the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to refrain from initiating a strike in response to the removal of fuel subsidy.

The federal government had approached the court seeking an interim injunction to prevent the labor unions from proceeding with the planned strike, which was slated to commence on Wednesday.

In delivering the ruling on Monday, OY Anuwe, the presiding judge, ordered the unions to suspend their proposed strike until the court has had the opportunity to hear and determine the ex parte motion presented by the federal government.